Ford 8n Radiator: replace or rebuild?

[HUTCHAMUSPRIME]

I was bush hogging and a stick found itd way through thr grill and into the radiator. (I only have the attached screenshot atm) Ive been reading around and I see there are some quality issues with new radiators. There is a shop that rebuilds radiators about 45 minutes away. I'm not even sure if this is original. I think both options results in the same amount of down time for me. What do y'all recommend?

 

[John0829]

Back when I had an 8N I had to replace the radiator and tried a couple of different ones but NONE fit properly until I stumbled upon a radiator made in Ireland. It was not perfect but WAY closer to a proper fit than anything else. SO if you have a shop that can rebuild your old one that is the route I would take.

 

[AntiqueIron]

X2 for rebuild.

Aluminum radiators (usually what you get anymore)

Don’t cool as well as copper.

Rebuild the old one

 

[Roadworthy]

Generally new radiators cannot be easily repaired or rebuilt. Stick with what you've got and get it fixed.

 

[EdGooding]

Another vote for rebuilding. One of the nice things about the N Fords is that many components were engineered to be rebuilt multiple times. When you reinstall it, get new bumpers and a new Brillo pad for the area between the radiator and hood, and you will be good to go for a long time.

 

[HUTCHAMUSPRIME]

Hate to disappoint but I ended up just going with one of those aluminum replacements someone gave me a good review about. The only fitment issue was the radiator cap. Bothers me more than it should. Its cooling great! I did keep the old one and I'm going to get it repaired if they can repair it! I am sure I'll end up with another stick in this one before too long. I never learn anything... I will have the old one ready to put back in!