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New Radiator Shop

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Joel_18
Joel_18 Member Posts: 18
in THE MAIN WALL
Hello all.
My name is Joel Minnich and I have started a new salvage radiator shop named Radical Radiator Restorations. We are just in the beginning stages.
I would like to solicit opinions from those on the Wall about what they would like to see from a store that sells refurbished radiators.
Any and all opinions are welcome, as they will only help me to serve my customers (homeowners and the heating trade)on their terms.
Please feel free to post publicy on the Wall or privately to our e-mail address: radiators@rcn.com
Your help would be awesome!

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
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    Joel,

    I wish that you would open your shop near me as I’m now looking for a couple of old radiators for a house that is being remodeled.

    I’d like to see the radiators sandblasted and primed. You should offer paint (as an option) in various colors. Sell new valves and install TRV’s as an option. Offer delivery to the room that it will be used in. I’d use that service. We don’t install a lot of cast iron but, when I do it's a real PITA finding what I want and they are always so darned heavy.

    Starting a new business in a niche market is brave. I wish you the best of luck Joel.

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  • Mike T., Swampeast MO
    Mike T., Swampeast MO Member Posts: 6,928
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    Chemical stripping (in a lye bath) might prove more cost effective than sandblasting--both labor and initial setup cost wise. Make certain you plug ALL holes first whether you sandblast or use chemicals!

    If removing from salvage, make certain you take the hand valve and all of the angle union! It can be really rough to remove the brass spuds from the original (often decorative) tapping bushing!





  • Tony_8
    Tony_8 Member Posts: 608
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    I'd like

    Sandblasted and primed, leak-free guarantee. Selection of eccentric bushings to be able to order with radiator. Traps and valves I have covered.

    I personally would like a Dining Room rad with the breadwarmer compartment for a HW system.

    Good Luck !
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,835
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    That's great, Joel!

    I think the other posts have pretty much covered my wish list. Where are you located?

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  • Joel_18
    Joel_18 Member Posts: 18
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    So far very helpful, fellas. I'm taking evertything in.
    keep 'em coming.....
  • Thad English
    Thad English Member Posts: 152
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    mroe thoughts

    As a homeowner who is trying to match a specific radiator for a kitchen, I think that online photos of available inventory would help your business. And actual measurements included too.



    Powder coating as an available service would be a wonderful benefit. But have a powder coating setup on site would be a real hamstringer with regard to set-up costs (those ovens ain't cheap). Finding a powder coater near you and working out discounted volume based pricing with them would allow you to build in profit in each project.

    Good luck with it all.

    -Thad
  • JERRY_9
    JERRY_9 Member Posts: 9
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    TELLTALE SIGNS

    JOEL,
    CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT A DECENT REFURBISHED CAST IRON RAD SHOULD LOOK LIKE? SHOULD I SEE RUST ON THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. WHAT SHOULD I NOT SEE? WHAT SHOULD THEY USE TO SEAL THE FITTINGS? HOW WILL I KNOW IF IT HAS BEEN TESTED AND IS LEAK FREE? DO SHOPS PROVIDE CERTS IN WRITINB?

    THANKS,
    JOSH






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