I've got a slow leak from my radiator(the left side plastic tank is seperating from the core) and I was wondering if I should go for a used, rebuilt or new radiator.
Also the front struts are leaking and they need to be replaced. Should I go rebuilt or new struts? I like this car and I want to keep it for a couple of years as a April to October daily driver........any recomendations?

 

There's no right answer for someone else in this question. What's your tolerance for risk compared to willingness to pay?

The right answer for me would be to dig around, follow eBay and see if I could sniff out a deal. Others might buy that new one and get it overnight.

 

I have a used radiator out of an 87 944 if you are interested

-keith

 

Don't waste your money on a new radiator: buy a used or rebuilt one.
I would get new shocks though; depending on your model/year, shocks are not very expensive, and they can make a difference.

 

I've never seen rebuilt radiators offered. I find it hard to imagine a rebuilt rad (with new plastic end caps) would be priced all that much lower than a new one. I think new ones can still be had for around $200. I don't think I've ever seen rebuilt shocks either...

 

1) It's an aluminum/plastic radiator... I figure they have a lifespan and vote buy a new one and be done with that.
2) A slick and relatively cost-effective strut solution is the Koni yellows inserted by Paragon Products. Pop the matching shocks into the rear and you have an adjustable suspension with much better damping.

That's my 2 cents, adjusted for inflation is worth...

... let's see

... about what you paid for it

 

Check out vertex for a new radiator, I paid $230 for an S2 rad. An n/a should be cheaper. With the plastic end tanks, I found very few dismantlers that will even sell them.
You can go used on the struts as long as you know the seller is being honest. Otherwise, you can always go to Autozone and get some cheapies. <--- not recommended but if the money is tight.....do what you gotta do. You can replace with Boge which are pretty cheap.

I always go new whenever possible unless the item is not available or non-essential.
Good Luck!
~Clint

 

Thanks for the input. I think that I'll go new unless I can get a good used radiator for next to nothing.

 

I had a set of struts that were only 4 years old and only 30K miles. When I replaced with Koni adjustables, I was going to offer them up on eBay, but couldn't bring myself to do it (they were worse than I'd thought). Not everyone is that conscientious.

Front shocks will require an alignment.

 

Well, I'l tell you a story. My 87 turbo was leaking there but I wanted to absolutely sure it was a bad before I replaced the radiator. I had the fans out and the lower hose reconnected, with water in the engine and charged with 10 pounds of test pressure. Yep, was leaking big time and I thought it was just like you suggest - leaking pretty steady from waht seemed like a seperating can. But it turned out that the upper clamp was in such a place that it was not putting pressure on the hose. I know, that sounds crazy but I just had to reposition the hose clamp and the leak stopped. These cars are full of tricks...Bruce

 

You can also try dismantlers like www.partsheaven.com and www.oklahomaforeign.com as they may offer some kind of warranty on their used parts.

 

Thanks F18Rep....I'll try repositioning the upper hose clamp and see if that helps. I guess that it is worth a shot. This radiator only leaks after I stop the engine and I know that it isn't because of too much coolant.

 

I have an all-metal radiator in my '83, it came from Zim's but I don't really know anything about it as it came with the car......