Hand Crafted Aluminum Radiators:

[MIKE 38sc]

I'm back to building the SC rads with no pesky distractions. Some of you may or may not have heard that I've been somewhat missing in action for the last couple of months, plus the fact that my thread in the "FOR SALE" section getting deleted did not help matters none. The facts are I was working the job from hell and completely traped there with no way out of it and I had to do what I had to do. That job is now OVER and I'm completely free of it, so there will be NO MORE lenghty delays in filling orders. Now with that said lets get to the meat of it.

What I'm offering is a "Hand Made Radiator". This means each and every component of these radiators is made personaly by ME with no factory stamped out parts. That means I buy sheets of .065 thick 6061-T6 Aluminum and cutout,bend and shape each and every piece that goes into building one of these rads with my own hands. I do not have a machine stamping out endtanks and brackets by the 100's every minute or so. What this means is my end tanks and brackets are thicker and stronger than production line stampings, but it also means that it takes more time to build my rads so keep that in mind. Since my rads are "Hand Built" each one has a personality all its own and there are no 2 that are 100% exactaly alike.
There are 2 parts in my rads that ARE NOT made by me and are made by outside manufacturers. The first and most important part that is NOT made by me is the core itself. My cores are custom made for me to my specs and there not CHEAP. I had to take this route because NOONE makes a core for there standard inventory the size needed to build an SC rad. The fact that this core is NOT standard inventory almost triples the price of the core itself and I cannot get around that unless I order 100 or more of them at one time.
But I was made an offer that I'll talk more about later.
My cores are and always have been 100% Fully Furnace Brazed and I was the first to offer that type of quality rad core to the SC community, NOT some big rad company. They are constructed with 2 rows of 1" tubes and have 17 cooling fins per inch.
The second part I outsource is the FULL SIZE BILLET FILLERNECKS. I do not use the cast necks that the BIG company's use, oh but they will put a billet neck on one of there rads for $30.00 extra. Well let me tell you the dirty little truth about that. A Billet neck costs $1.00 more than a cast neck, so why even offer that clunky cast neck in the first place? Answer: Extra money in there pockets thats why! My rads with billet necks are cheaper in price than there rads with billet necks and even cheaper in price than there rads with cast necks. A normal full sized filler neck means that you can use ANY of the std size 16 psi BILLET radiator caps that are out there with oh say the Ford emblem engraved on it for instance.
My rads have a Weatherhead 175 drain cock already installed in them when you open the box, and for those of you that dont know about the Weatherhead 175 drain cock it is the MOST commonly available drain cock on the planet. You can buy them at ANY parts store should yours ever wear out and there made of Brass.
I build my own heat exchangers for cooling the tranny's in my auto tranny models. I DO NOT use those dinky little coils of tubing that most rad co.'s use. My coolers(heat exchanger) are 1 3/4" in diameter and have a 1" diameter tube running through the center for coolant water to run through and there 13" long. These are HD coolers and there very efficent.
Here is a pic of the stock type(or drop in) Rad.

[MIKE 38sc]

I also make a rad to fit the MP FMIC and its the same rad as the stock replacement however it does not have all the framework and bracketry installed. What that means is you dont have to buy a new rad and take a hacksaw to it and cut all of that stuff off like the fellas that did'nt get one of my rads had to do. Another thing is you get the rad for a cheaper price since it does'nt have all the framework and brackets on it. You dont need it, so why pay for it and then chop it off and throw it away?
Here's my current pricing:
Stock type replacement rads:
5 speed model-$495.00
Auto tranny model-$510.00
MP FMIC models:
5 speed model-$350.00
Auto tranny model-$365.00
ALL models of radiators have a $35.00 shipping charge to add to there price. This shipping charge is NON negotiable and the reason is this. These rads once boxed up are classified by UPS as OVERSIZED and that means even though they weigh only about 14 lbs boxed I have to pay for shipping 70 lbs. I do not do the boxing of the rads myself, they are boxed at a shipping service in very good box's and wrapped in large bubble wrap with foam peanuts as the filler in most cases. The actual cost of shipping one of these rads including the shipping material runs me $41.00-$44.00 depending on the model, so you're already getting a break on the shipping. I also FULLY insure each shipment so that incase theres a disaster YOU nor I get hit and take a loss. I'm sure you cant afford to and I know I cant take a loss like that.
Now I need to talk about the deposite:
I have always asked for a good faith deposite of %50 of the rad cost up front and in the begining I waited until I had said deposite in hand before ordering the core for the rad. The last couple of months I began taking a persons Email conformation to me that the check was in the mail, and on trust I would go ahead and order the cores BEFORE money was in my hand.
I'm sorry to have to make this stand but I will NO LONGER order cores on trust before money is in my hand. I DO NOT want to be this way about it but I've been forced to. Another modification to my deposite policy is as follows:
YOU are ordering a CUSTOM BUILT rad and you WILL forfiet(spelling) your deposite if YOU back out of the deal AFTER I have ordered the CUSTOM BUILT core. NO EXCEPTIONS! except maybe your own death. I'm sorry to have to take this stand but I just got hit with this and I bit the bullet only because in that instance I feel I'm somewhat at fault there. That however will not happen again because I WILL NOT have any blame from here on out.

Now then I think I've just about touched on everything. But incase I missed something feel free to contact me at mike38sc@bellsouth.net with your qeustions or orders.
Here is a pic of the MP FMIC model.
Thanks.

[MIKE 38sc]

Here's one of my stock type rads installed in its happy owners car.
Notice how Fast Freddies double IC and my rad compliment each other.
Thanks for looking and Email me at mike38sc@bellsouth.net if I can be of service to you.
Please do not post here, instead use the above Email addy to ask qeustions make comments or place orders.
Thank you.
Mike.

[joenintiesc]

Nice work, Mike! Really a nice looking product you have there! :D

(oops, sorry- I just re-read you didn't want comments posted here... :eek: )

[IdoXLr8]

Hi all, got my radiator from Mike, its one of the nicest radiators I've seen...I have the FMIC set up and Iwill post pics as soon as I get it installed! thanks Mike! PZ :D

[MIKE 38sc]

no no no...Thank you! Please do post those pics in this thread. :)

[Wings Dirty]

Here's mine:

:D

[Paul93SC]

I just received my radiator and in a word: Wow! What a nice piece of engineering and craftmanship! I'll post again when it's installed (I can hardly wait :D )

[MIKE 38sc]

Here's a pic of the core ends, 2 rows of 1" dimpled tubes. The cooling fin count is 17 per inch plus there louvored!(spelling) :)

[midnitethunder]

I also make a rad to fit the MP FMIC and its the same rad as the stock replacement however it does not have all the framework and bracketry installed. What that means is you dont have to buy a new rad and take a hacksaw to it and cut all of that stuff off like the fellas that did'nt get one of my rads had to do. Another thing is you get the rad for a cheaper price since it does'nt have all the framework and brackets on it. You dont need it, so why pay for it and then chop it off and throw it away?
Here's my current pricing:
Stock type replacement rads:
5 speed model-$495.00
Auto tranny model-$510.00
MP FMIC models:
5 speed model-$350.00
Auto tranny model-$365.00
ALL models of radiators have a $30.00 shipping charge to add to there price. This shipping charge is NON negotiable and the reason is this. These rads once boxed up are classified by UPS as OVERSIZED and that means even though they weigh only about 14 lbs boxed I have to pay for shipping 70 lbs. I do not do the boxing of the rads myself, they are boxed at a shipping service in very good box's and wrapped in large bubble wrap with foam peanuts as the filler in most cases. The actual cost of shipping one of these rads including the shipping material runs me $36.00-$38.00 depending on the model, so you're already getting a break on the shipping. I also FULLY insure each shipment so that incase theres a disaster YOU nor I get hit and take a loss. I'm sure you cant afford to and I know I cant take a loss like that.
Now I need to talk about the deposite:
I have always asked for a good faith deposite of %50 of the rad cost up front and in the begining I waited until I had said deposite in hand before ordering the core for the rad. The last couple of months I began taking a persons Email conformation to me that the check was in the mail, and on trust I would go ahead and order the cores BEFORE money was in my hand.
I'm sorry to have to make this stand but I will NO LONGER order cores on trust before money is in my hand. I DO NOT want to be this way about it but I've been forced to. Another modification to my deposite policy is as follows:
YOU are ordering a CUSTOM BUILT rad and you WILL forfiet(spelling) your deposite if YOU back out of the deal AFTER I have ordered the CUSTOM BUILT core. NO EXCEPTIONS! except maybe your own death. I'm sorry to have to take this stand but I just got hit with this and I bit the bullet only because in that instance I feel I'm somewhat at fault there. That however will not happen again because I WILL NOT have any blame from here on out.

Now then I think I've just about touched on everything. But incase I missed something feel free to contact me at brightlightfab@wmconnect.com with your qeustions or orders.
Here is a pic of the MP FMIC model.
Thanks.nice work ill be in contack with in a cuple weeks

[MIKE 38sc]

Now that wintertime is on us and alot of owners have put there SC's away until spring now is the perfect time to get your new rad built and installed with no downtime. Tired of your SC running so hot? Tired of cutting wires and jimying the fans electrical system to keep your bird cooler? My customers report much cooler running engines without messing with the fan and its wireing. Thats what a rad with reserve cooling capacity will do for you and you will not get that with a new stock type rad of any make. Join the people that have already learned that a cool running SC can be had, and without messing with the fan and its wireing.
This shot of a customers temp gauge was sent to me because he simply could not believe it. He reports that this is the temp after flogging the car hard for 30 minutes. He also say's he is using a 190 deg thermo with no fan tricks and stock ECU fan turn on points.
He's not the only one either, I have customers that do alot of mountain road driving and they report the exact same results. These rads realy do keep your SC engine happy.

EDIT:
By the way I am open to a group buy but someone would have to head that. Get in touch with me for details on the price breaks for a group buy if your interested in heading a group buy. :)

[DamonSlowpokeBaumann]

Top notch quality here guys;O)

[FredSC]

The workmanship and quality are ONLY exceeded by the cooling improvement. Now my running hard is only limited by my nerve and not my SC's temperature.
Fred

[MIKE 38sc]

Summertime and the hot season is just around the corner fella's. My build list is growing on a daily basis so dont procrastinate too much longer or you may have to wait. I've been building these radiators for 1 1/2 years now and not 1 failure yet. These radiators do keep your SC running cool. :cool:
I also have a new line of double IC's about to come out as well as a front mount IC that just might go into production.
I have a 4.6 radiator about to come out for those guy's soon.
I have several other goodies in the works as well, dont know if I'll produce them for the mass's or not but we'll see. :)

[IdoXLr8]

Hey Mike, I sent you an e-mail about a rad for a 5.0 T-bird..are you make these yet??? thanks Paul :D

[MIKE 38sc]

Please use my new Email addy.
mike38sc@bellsouth.net :)

[ThunderTurkey]

Hey Mike, I sent you an e-mail about a rad for a 5.0 T-bird..are you making these yet??? thanks Paul :D
:eek: ~"OUCH! It was +114 yesterday and my radiator is starting to 'seep'. 93LX-Auto-5.0 " :confused:

[BT Motorsports]

:eek: ~"OUCH! It was +114 yesterday and my radiator is starting to 'seep'. 93LX-Auto-5.0 " :confused:
I think Mike has been pretty bogged down lately, I sent him a PM and email about a week or two ago and haven't received a response yet.
Does the 5.0L Tbird use the same rad as the 3.8 or 4.6? If so and Mike hasn't gotten back yet, I may have a solution really quick as I am installing a custom unit on my fiance's 97 3.8 in the next few days.

Paul

[ThunderTurkey]

Does the 5.0L Tbird use the same rad as the 3.8 or 4.6?-Paul

:confused: ~"Good question - I will check into that and let you know!"
If so and Mike hasn't gotten back yet, I may have a solution really quick as I am installing a custom unit on my fiance's 97 3.8 in the next few days.
;) ~"Sounds good, take Notes .....errrr .... take Pics!!"

[IdoXLr8]

Hi all, I have a 5.0 bird...the rad is not the same...I will post pics asap, that way Mike can check it out too! :D

[MIKE 38sc]

Thats cool IdoXLr8 I'de like to see the pics.

Paul at BT:
Sorry I havent gotten back to you but my divorce had totaly consumed the last 6 weeks of my life. :mad: :mad: Things are back on track now. :)
I'm not sure how the 3.8 rads mount but I cant imagine it being much different than any of the other MN12's. The problem would be the fan shroud mounts if they use a belt driven fan.
I dont see why anyone could'nt convert there belt driven fan to the electric fan on the 4.6, that rad and fan is a really nice setup.

[BT Motorsports]

Paul at BT:
Sorry I havent gotten back to you but my divorce had totaly consumed the last 6 weeks of my life. :mad: :mad: Things are back on track now. :)
I'm not sure how the 3.8 rads mount but I cant imagine it being much different than any of the other MN12's. The problem would be the fan shroud mounts if they use a belt driven fan.
I dont see why anyone could'nt convert there belt driven fan to the electric fan on the 4.6, that rad and fan is a really nice setup.
N.P Mike, I found a source for aluminum double row fully brazed units very reasonably priced so I went that route. After fabbing up a few simple brackets, it installs in the stock location without incident. I'll try to get some pics up later this week.

Paul

[IdoXLr8]

Hi Mike, sorry to hear about your divorce...been there, done that, no fun...anyways, I've got some pic of the 5.0 rad...just have to load them up and send them to you, Paul

[XR7 Dave]

The 3.8L N/A and 5.0 rads are the same. 4.6L rads appear to be the same also, and starting in 94 the 3.8 even had an electric fan stock. They are easy to find in the junkyards.

[BT Motorsports]

The 3.8L N/A and 5.0 rads are the same.
So you are saying the rad David Neibert put in his turbo car will bolt right up for the 3.8 n/a and 4.6 (the 4.6 is the same as the 3.8 except it does not have a radiator cap on the end tank, its on the overflow bottle)? Thats good to know thanks David.

Paul

[MIKE 38sc]

The 3.8L N/A and 5.0 rads are the same. 4.6L rads appear to be the same also, and starting in 94 the 3.8 even had an electric fan stock. They are easy to find in the junkyards.

Dave here is the 4.6 rads I'm building, this one has the stock fan mounted to it. Could you take a look at the upper mounting brackets and confirm that they are the same as on the 3.8 and 5.0 rads? Should that be the case all I would need to do is install the fillerneck on the cool side tank and eleminate the bung for the degasing bottle nipple.

[BT Motorsports]

Mike, those upper brackets will bolt right into the 3.8.

Paul

[MIKE 38sc]

Mike, those upper brackets will bolt right into the 3.8.

Paul

Well I'll be darned!!!! :)
Thanks Paul! I just wonder about the 5.0 now. :confused:
I really like this rad setup alot! I'm gonna use one in my SC along with a FMIC as well. :)

[XR7 Dave]

That rad is different than the N/A and 5.0 rads that I've seen. I'm guessing that there was a change in 94 when they went to the electric fan because the 5.0 and the old 3.8's all had manual fans and they most definitely used the same radiators.

I do know that the old style rads can be installed in the late model cars because my neighbor has a 95 3.8 that used to have an electric fan but for some reason the previous owner took it out and installed an old style radiator and manual fan.

I'm thinking that the only difference is in the brackets. Which means that radiator you have pictured would require the upper brackets from a 94+ LX to be used in an older car.

I'll go look at his house in the next day or two. He's got a 97 4.6, 92 5.0, 95 3.8, and others....

[MIKE 38sc]

Dave the rad I pictured uses an additional mounting bracket that bolts it into the upper rad support and would be easy to install in even an SC. The holes for the clip nuts are already in the SC's upper rad support, just install the clip nuts and use the 2 upper brackets that have rubber bushings that slip over those upper pins you see. Thats a really nice setup and I like it alot, its much nicer than the SC's mounting system not to mention easier to fab up.
I have a problem finding MN12's in the boneyards around me, infact there's not that many on the road around here anymore.
I would appreciate any info or pics you could supply as I've had many reqeusts for 3.8 and 5.0 rads but I just cant find any to look at.
I did manage to find a 4.6 Bird in the boneyard so I could buy the rad and start building it for the customer, but he had to end up sending me his extra fan so that I could work out the mounting of it. I could'nt find a fan in the boneyard. :(

[Toms-SC]

WELCOME BACK Mike! :)

[IdoXLr8]

Dave here is the 4.6 rads I'm building, this one has the stock fan mounted to it. Could you take a look at the upper mounting brackets and confirm that they are the same as on the 3.8 and 5.0 rads? Should that be the case all I would need to do is install the fillerneck on the cool side tank and eleminate the bung for the degasing bottle nipple.

Hi Mike, I e-mailed you the pics of the 5.0 rad...the top mounts are different and it has a rad cap also...I tried to post them on the sight but the file was to large... :cool:

[MIKE 38sc]

WELCOME BACK Mike! :)

Thank you!!!
Feels good to back in the land of the liveing. :) :)

[MIKE 38sc]

Hi Mike, I e-mailed you the pics of the 5.0 rad...the top mounts are different and it has a rad cap also...I tried to post them on the sight but the file was to large... :cool:

Got your Email and fired one back at ya. ;)

[Melon]

Did you get mine by chance? I sent you on about 4 weeks ago, and then one within the last week?

Just checking since I'm interested in a radiator as well.

-Melon

[MIKE 38sc]

Did you get mine by chance? I sent you on about 4 weeks ago, and then one within the last week?

Just checking since I'm interested in a radiator as well.

-Melon

Andy I do not see anything from you. :confused:
Could you please send another and I promise you I'll respond very soon. :o :)

[Melon]

Just sent you another one Mike.. if for whatever reason, you don't get this one - e-mail me at MelonSC@gmail.com when you have the opportunity.

Thanks
-Melon

[Toms-SC]

Hey Mike,

When it comes to the rad designed for the MP Front Mount, would this rad work for a double intercooler aswell? What are we looking at for turn around time?

[MIKE 38sc]

Tom the MP FMIC rads will not work with a double IC setup.
Those rads have no mounting brackets at all and instead use the brackets that are supplied in the MP FMIC kit itself.
You need the std style rad that I make for use with the double IC's.
You see the MP FMIC itself mounts into the SC useing the stock rad mounting points in the cars rad support. Then you bolt the kit supplied brackets to the MP FMIC rad that I make and bolt it to the MP FMIC itself, not useing any of the cars bodywork to actualy hold the rad itself.
You can also take a stock rad or my stock type rad and cut off all of the brackets and framework in order to bolt it up to the MP FMIC as well.
I just thought it was stupid for someone to have to chop off all those brackets and such if they were replaceing there rads while installing the MP FMIC or if the decided to upgrade there rads later after installing the MP unit, so I thought I'de pass on the saveings to those guys and offer the MP FMIC rad without the stuff they do not need and is a waste to pay for in that instance.
Not to mention the install looks so much better not haveing a rad that has been chopped on.
My build list at the moment is very much under control so its about a 3 week turnaround or sooner.

[Toms-SC]

Is any modification required to make a unit fit? Or does it use the stock rad hoses and such? Just to confirm, the AOD unit has the built in tranny cooler? :)

[MIKE 38sc]

Yes the AOD unit has a HP heat exchanger installed.
The top hose nipple is just a tad larger in diameter than the stocker because you cant get nipples the same diameter as the stock SC.(there an oddball size) However the stock hoses fit just fine. With the MP FMIC version of the rad you will need to cut a small portion off the rad ends of the hoses because the rad itself sets closer to the engine. You have to do that with MP FMIC anyway no matter what rad you use.
The heat exchanger is a jacketed pipe design measureing 1 7/8" OD surrounding a 1" OD tube thus makeing a jacket around the 1" tube for the tranny fluid to flow through. The engine coolant flows around the outside of the 1 7/8" tube and through the 1" tube.

[sonicman1634]

Mike, where is my rad? I sent you money about 4 months ago and still no word??

[ThunderTurkey]

Hi Mike, I e-mailed you the pics of the 5.0 rad...the top mounts are different and it has a rad cap also...I tried to post them on the sight but the file was to large... :cool:
Got your Email and fired one back at ya. ;)
Is any modification required to make a unit fit? Or does it use the stock rad hoses and such? Just to confirm, the AOD unit has the built in tranny cooler? :)
:eek: :confused: "Hey Mike - I'm kinda confused with all the questions and answers flying back and forth ........ so just to clear things up, I have a '93LX -5.0 AUTOMATIC. Can you build me a radiator and what is the cost? I'll sit down and wait calmly for the answer. Thanks!" ;)

[MIKE 38sc]

Mike, where is my rad? I sent you money about 4 months ago and still no word??

PLEASE email me at mike38sc@bellsouth.net so that I can find out whats going on. :confused:

[MIKE 38sc]

:eek: :confused: "Hey Mike - I'm kinda confused with all the questions and answers flying back and forth ........ so just to clear things up, I have a '93LX -5.0 AUTOMATIC. Can you build me a radiator and what is the cost? I'll sit down and wait calmly for the answer. Thanks!" ;)

Yes I can build that. cost is $310 + shipping.

[MIKE 38sc]

Mike, where is my rad? I sent you money about 4 months ago and still no word??

I've finaly figured out who you are and just located your info. I'm very sorry but your info got mixed up in a large pile of stuff from when I fled my house dureing my seperation from the wife. I'm very sorry for this and you will have your rad this week. :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

[sonicman1634]

I've finaly figured out who you are and just located your info. I'm very sorry but your info got mixed up in a large pile of stuff from when I fled my house dureing my seperation from the wife. I'm very sorry for this and you will have your rad this week. :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

Sorry, been really busy remodeling. Yeah, I didnt mean to come off like an ~~~~~~~ like that but i've been stressed. Thanks Mike. Do you have the shippinf address?

Thomas

[MIKE 38sc]

Thats OK I understand stress believe me. ;)
I got confused when I was searching in orders placed 4 months ago and could not find. I knew that all of those had shipped out already but I finaly found it in the orders from 3 months ago where it had been stuck inside of an envelope of a diffrent order. :o :o :o
Jeez man I'm sorry eveidentaly I just crammed it in that envelope when I was grabing everything I could get my hands on pertaining to the work that night.
I'm getting ready for a little remodeling myself and oh boy I just cant wait. :rolleyes:
I'm glad you brought it to my attention because this postively is my last loose string. :) I know that because I was forced to go through everything in order to find your order, so realy you did me a favor.
I'm just sorry I got so behind because of all the BS lately. :o :o

[Toms-SC]

Whats the method of payment? Do you still do that 50 upfront 50 after its done thing? :)

[brent889]

heres a couple of pics of the fmic radiator installed in chris stater's sc.
http://www.sccoa.com/member/index.php?uniquename=stater

[jc91sc]

heres a couple of pics of the fmic radiator installed in chris stater's sc.
http://www.sccoa.com/member/index.php?uniquename=stater


Really nice work....does it come with the "SC" cap?

James E.
AdrenalineTuning@excite.com

[gldiii]

Just a small reminder to all posters. This is a thread for Mike's products. Please keep your specific tech questions and other vendor products in new threads in the appropriate forums. No one likes a thread HIJACK! Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

[victor malvar]

O.K. Sorry Mike. I did not intend to hijack this post. I was just having a little fun. I will delete my post! Some one Hijacked mine but took a while before it was Noticed. Over an unproof read post. It went 230+ before anyone took notice. Hmmm.
Sorry George!
Later!

[sonicman1634]

MIKE, did you receive my email??

[sonicman1634]

Ok, I have waited patiently for almost 5 months now. Now I dont want the radiator, I want a refund. I have tried to contact you numerous times but with no success. Obviously you are taking in more business than you can handle.

Thomas

[talonhead]

Mike, tried to get in touch. did you get the M.O.? Putting car back together, it's now SEPT and gas is now $3+ a gallon and need to use the car. Costs to much to keep driving my truck. I need the radiator!
IM/PM/or Email me Mike Handley<talonhead@yahoo.com>

[MIKE 38sc]

Both rads shipped out Tuesday! Sorry but they will not let me build rads in the hospital!!!!
I'm out of the rad buiseness. The rad shop is closed!

[sonicman1634]

Both rads shipped out Tuesday! Sorry but they will not let me build rads in the hospital!!!!
I'm out of the rad buiseness. The rad shop is closed!


Well great, since I dont live at that address anymore :rolleyes:. You might as well call it back b/c theres no one there to take it. Like I said earlier, I just want a refund anyway.

[Brando B]

Mike,

Are these aluminum radiators still available?

Brando

[rzibilske77]

Mike,

Are these aluminum radiators still available?

Brando

we wish, but dont believe he is.......maybe he can tell us different.:)

[Mike8675309]

his last post was in august of 2005 on this board, so I'm gonna say no.. They haven't been available for over a year.