[travis]

i have a 57 cj5 with a f head 4 cyl and i need a radiator. a replacement is 400 bucks plus so im seeking out an alternative solution. my question is can i use a less expensive radiator and retro fit it or do i have to use exact replacement and why? i an not building a show jeep juts a project for me and my son to tool on and putt around the back yard in. i thank you in advance for any help you can offer. tj

[Willys Jeep]

Hi Travis. I do stock restorations and have little experience with modifications or changes. However, you should look on Ebay for a good used unit ; They are there and usually under $100. If that doesn't work, any radiator that fits with the same liquid capacity should do fine. I have seen many odds and ends installed in the Jeeps I have dismantled and so its possible ( and cheaper ) to do.
I would look for later model CJ5 or CJ7 and while I cannot guarantee that they will physically fit, you have a good chance they will.

I hope someone who has done this can come forward with their $.02

Tim

[F Bill]

Radiators have gotten really expensive lately. I would be on the lookout for a parts jeep with a good radiator, or just a good used one.Often the radiator is one of the few good parts left ina rustbucket jeep. You might want to post a wanted ad over on the early cj5 pages...Someone over there might have one left over from an engine swap project. Where are you located? DO you have any good radiator shops near you that might fix the old one?