[Bammo]

So the 85 1,3 Drover I've bought has a stuffed radiator. Lots of holes and bent fins and generally had it according to the previous owner.

Looking online there seems to be a big range in cost for radiators. Lots of pretty cheap aluminium ones on eBay for around $200 delivered. I've searched but nothing really obvious on the forum about whether these are OK to use?

Any tips on replacing them?

[rustyzook]

A mate of mine has one of the alloy rads in his hilux with a a 3.8 bommodore motor, it's pretty good, the thermo fan was poo but.

[Gwagensteve]

Bammo, if you are using the car offroad and it's likely to see mud and water, I would avoid an aluminium finned radiator. Whilst they are cheap and light (which is why they are now almost universal) The fins are very soft and are easily damaged, especially the you're trying to clean them.

I would recommend a factory style copper/brass radiator. Much more durable and easier to repair.

Steve.

[Bammo]

Thanks for that Steve,

Vehicle will primarily be driven at low speed along paddock tracks and some sandy tracks. Don't plan on doing any bush bashing in it and 4WD is only really for the occasional boggy bit or deep sand. Weight reduction will be a "nice to have". On that basis it sounds like the alloy option will be OK but I take note of your comments about longevity.