Yes, you can convert a plastic/aluminum radiator to a copper/brass radiator, for most units. Our on-site manufacturing plant can custom-build brass / steel tanks and "re-core" the unit. While plastic/aluminum is modern standard equipment, a copper/brass conversion offers greater durability, easier repairability, and, in many cases, superior heat transfer. Key Details for Conversion: Process: A specialty radiator shop can build a new copper/brass core to match your existing tank dimensions and solder on brass headers. Benefits: Copper/brass radiators are often more durable, especially for heavy-duty, commercial, or agricultural use, and can be repaired, whereas plastic/aluminum is usually a "throw-away" unit. Performance: Copper has roughly twice the thermal conductivity of aluminum, often leading to better cooling efficiency. Alternatives: If the goal is long-term reliability, you can also look into high-quality all-aluminum replacements to avoid the plastic failure points  With over 35 years of experience and an extensive library of thousands of plastic-to-aluminum and copper/brass radiator conversion drawings

Turnaround time depends on the radiator model and application, as well as whether we’ve previously built or converted the unit. With over 35 years of experience and an extensive library of thousands of plastic/aluminum and copper/brass radiator conversion drawings, many projects can be completed quickly. Typical turnaround ranges from a few days to 5 business days, depending on current workload. If you require an urgent radiator repair or custom build, our team will work with you to meet tight deadlines whenever possible. For more information custom complete radiator conversions click here!

Converting a plastic/aluminum radiator to a copper/brass unit offers superior durability, better heat transfer, and easier repairability. Copper/brass radiators are less prone to cracking, can be soldered and repaired with basic tools, and are better suited for handling high heat, offering a more robust, long-term cooling solution than plastic-tanked units. Key benefits of upgrading to a copper/brass radiator include: Superior Durability and Longevity: Unlike plastic tanks that can crack and become brittle over time, copper/brass radiators are more robust and better suited to withstand extreme heat cycles. Easier, Lower-Cost Repairs: Copper/brass radiators are held together with solder, making them easier for shops to fix, re-core, or clean compared to brazed aluminum units, which are often replaced rather than repaired. Excellent Thermal Conductivity: Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, generally offering better thermal performance, which can lead to better cooling efficiency for the engine. Corrosion Resistance: Copper and brass are inherently resistant to traditional corrosion, whereas aluminum can be susceptible to electrolysis if the coolant is not maintained properly. High-Heat Tolerance: They are ideal for high-performance engines, classic cars, or heavy-duty applications that generate significant heat. While copper/brass is heavier and generally more expensive, the switch is usually made to enhance durability and avoid the common failure points of plastic-tanked aluminum radiators. To find out more about plastic / aluminum conversions to copper / brass check click here

The cost varies based on the radiator's size ( height, width, depth), tank size, number of connections, and complexity. Other options include increasing cooling through fin types, fins per inch, tube widths and tube types. Contact us for a detailed quote.

Yes, most heavy-duty radiators can be repaired or re-cored. Re-coring replaces the internal core while reusing the tanks, restoring performance and extending the life of the radiator at a lower cost than replacement. Click here to learn more about our re-coring your heavy duty radiator.