Need tips on shipping radiator and drive shaft

[TJM70's_48]

I sold a few parts to a fellow forum member but I've been struggling with packaging and shipping method for these heavy / bulky items.

I think I'm going to package the drive shaft in cardboard & have a few choices of shipping available...the radiator is posing the biggest problems.

I am leaning toward making a crate out of 2x4s and osb...then I'd probably have to ship via freight or LTL carrier...adding expense for materials and freight.

If I fashion a cardboard package together for it, do you think it will be safely protected to ship via FedEx, USPS or UPS?

Has anyone done this? He's been waiting for the parts and I'd like to get them to him.

[Plymouthy Adams]

look into the Greyhound shipping..they can usually service the larger blukier package easier than the major shippers...I have snet radiators UPS with good results...fair pricing...but I do have to stress you over-package it..no substitute for padding here..

[Roadkingcoupe]

Here are a couple of pictures of an NOS radiator as it was taken out of the original crate.

Thin plywood cut to fit and protect the fins securely. A 2 X 4 framing would be good and wont add that much weight. See attached pics.

The driveshaft can be shipped in a plastic tube with wooden ends cut out to fit and screwed in through the plastic and then taped. Add extra packaging to make sure there is no "slop" to prevent it from battering its way to freedom.

[bamfordsgarage]

Further to Roadking's suggestion for shipping the driveshaft in a plastic tube...

One can usually find plastic tubes, free, from companies in the window film business, in lengths of 18", 20", 24" 36", 48", 60" and 72".

Whatever you do, like he says, make sure things don't flop around. That's just inviting trouble.

Another good source for cardboard tubes, although generally not as heavy as those from carpet stores, are drapery/window covering retailers... they often receive custom made product, special rods, etc. in long sturdy cardboard packages.

[thrashingcows]

I like this thread...great ideas to keep in the old gray vault for "one day".

[aero3113]

My wife ordered me this new radiator for Christmas . I will let you know how they packed it when I receive it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1949-1950-1951-1952-2-Row-Aluminum-Plymouth-Radiator-/160512367067?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item255f4859db

[dezeldoc]

Most radiators are shipped in a cardboard box with the expanding foam packs used, no damage that way and it don't cost a fortune to ship. the drive shaft either put it in a tube or just wrap it in cardboard and tape it up with strapping tape, really their is not much that they can hurt on one. Greyhound will be the cheapest on this one.

Edited December 21, 2010 by dezeldoc

[Jerry Roberts]

My wife ordered me this new radiator for Christmas . I will let you know how they packed it when I receive it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1949-1950-1951-1952-2-Row-Aluminum-Plymouth-Radiator-/160512367067?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item255f4859db

That seems to be a great price for a new radiator . ( $ 144 + $26 shipping )

[TJM70's_48]

Thanks for the input guys. This is going to be a top job of mine to get done toward the end of this week.

[norrism1]

Ask your local radiator shop how to package it. They may even have the correct package you can buy or one that can be modified for your radiator.

[aero3113]

This is the one Santa delivered to me, here is how he packed it

[PatS....]

Check with a busy auto parts store for a radiator box thay may have, and for the rad an abs pipe would be good. They come in a few diameters and work great.

Merry Christmas!

[old stovebolt]

I have used the company "Roadway" before when I shipped large car parts.

I would use them again.