Northern Radiator

i have been researching the same thing. Im finding Detroit radiator so far as being the truckers report most recommended

 

I have installed two Northern Radiator charge air coolers in two different trucks within the last year. Both seem very well built and fit well. I haven't had them long enough to vouch for durability but they are doing well so far. I would assume their radiators are built with the same quality.

 

Paint it with heavy solids paint before you put it in- idc what it looks like for coverage from anybody: paint it thick or it’ll rot to #### in short order.

 

im gonna keep an eye on this thread. thats for sure. Im looking to go with a 4 core for a 379

 

I was completely sold on Detroit Radiator, 20+yrs ago. Family Owned Local Company. Father and Son. Welded fins, etc. Since then, About 5 yrs ago, I tried to order one, and was told they were out of stock, and weren’t placing an order for a few months. I thought they made them themselves. Apparently not anymore. Also their price was too high anyway. They’ve gone big time, since partnering with the Big Boys. I’ve always dealt with Radiator Works. Same reason, Family Owned. Always treated Me well, always a good price too. They sold out to LKQ. Prices are still good. Availability has increased through the LKQ/Keystone automotive network. Warehouses/ Distributors around the USA. I still get my a/c condensors from them. Best price, actually went down when LKQ took over. I finally bought a radiator, when I did my inframe. Got it from American Radiator. 4 core Copper upgrade. Best price and a good product so far. I’m very happy with it. I’ll say, I was at Truck Pro one day. Guy came in with a leaky radiator for his Peterbilt. Bottom tank portion had rotted. Warranty issue. I asked where it came from, they said Detroit Radiator. That’s all I needed to hear. I’ve bought a CAC from General in Chicago. Lifetime warranty. It split bad within 2 yrs. They wanted Me to mail it back, meanwhile buy another from them, till they could get an answer from the manufacturer about warranty. Again, like Detroit, I said I thought you made them in house. Nope. Apparently not. I ended up finding one cheaper from Radiator works. $650. Went to get it, and they had a Chinese version for $350.1 yr warranty. I bought it. Lasted about 5 yrs. I got an Avtekk CAC this time from Superior Turbo in Detroit on their advice. Price was great. Only $100 more than the cheapo ones available. So far so good. It’s made differently from others. Big fins, welded solid. Seems very heavy duty. Time will tell. The Guys at Superior are great. Very helpful. Also got a ISSO pyrometer from them. Good price. If I recall American is at Radiatorpros.com As far as Northern, I haven’t dealt with them. Lol. Just thought I’d try to help with what little experience I’ve had with radiators.

 

Northern couldn't send me a rad to handle the HP level I needed complete in the frame. Detroit was the only place I could find that could do it. I know your question is about Northern but Detroit did an excellent job for me and had really good customer service.

 

Following:
If I keep this truck, it's going to need a Radiator and cac next year.

 

Thank you for taking the time with this writeup

 

I have had good experiences using Brice Thomas Radiator in Gadsden,Al. They have done several custom projects for me and I was very pleased. They built me a custom 6 row for my flc, didn’t have the dimensions listed anymore for my 80 model so I took the old one to them they measured everything and had it built in less than a week. Around 5 years ago and still looking good. They are very knowledgeable, will definitely give them my business again.