Resource for buying radiators?

Patrick McGrath

Hi all:

I have been looking around in Rochester, NY for a 17" wide rad that will produce about 9,000 BTU - height and depth are not an issue for the location.

There is a local antiques dealer that dismantles old homes and sells the pieces.  The customer service is just about terrible - think more antique store than parts place.  They are not willing to deal at all with you, and I am buying one of two rads that I need from them (one is just perfect in size and sqft, so I am eating my pride and paying the vig on it).

Anyway, Craigslist is tough due to people not posting pics, not measuring things (or correctly), etc.  Anyone have any other suggestions for getting one?  In good shape, painted, etc. I'd be willing to drop up to $300.  Rusty, not pressure tested, set up for hot water, sitting in 3 feet of snow, I am not willing to spend $300.  Guess what I experienced at the antiques dealer...

Any leads would be greatly appreciated.  I am willing to drive, and I have a truck.

Steamhead

It's a bit of a hike

but you might try Olde Good Things, in Scranton, PA. They have a lot more than what you see on their site, and the last time I was there they did have some rads. You'll want to call them before making the drive. Here's the link:



http://www.ogtstore.com/



If you go, the Glider Diner is right around the corner, food is good and they don't charge an arm and a leg.

Jim Bennett

Have you tried this place......

http://www.rehouseny.com/



Prices are a little better though they won't really deal either. At least they keep their radiators inside.



We used to get radiators at Kreiger's scrap yard on Portland Ave. a few years back.

They would let me pick through the pile and sell me rads for the going cast iron scrap rate. (pretty cheap)

 We had to haul them out and test them, but we got some pretty nice radiators that way.



The place has changed hands recently so I don't know if they'll do that anymore.



Good luck,

Luv'nsteam

radiator procurement

oldcastironradiators.com will crunch you numbers for you (heat loss calculations), prep, paint & pressure test and ship to your door.  They are located in Quebec.  I just received four quotes from them.  Not the cheapest, but when they arrive, you simply use them.  Done.  Nothing else to do.  They carry plain and fancy rads for water and steam. 



Keep checking craigslist.  I found nine fancy water rads that were sand blasted, primed & pressure tested for $10.00 per section.  When I left the guys home, he still had seven left.  I am in south eastern PA, so it is likely to far for you.  However, if you bought them all it may be worht the trip.  I once drove to Rochester to buy my 1972 Blazer and back home after picking it up, so if you want them bad enough...



There is a place outside of Doylestown, PA, called Edna's Antiques.  They get $25.00 per section, non-negotiable and they are not prepped at all.  Must be the trade.



One I received from a friend just by asking around.



Two I found by asking at a local Real Estate club: for whatever reason, landlords seem to not like steam.  To each there own.



Good luck, Patrick.



Thank you,



Mike