Picture this: your vintage truck starts steaming on a lonely stretch of Wyoming highway, and the nearest parts store has nothing for a 60-year-old cooling system. For over 75 years, Laramie Radiator Works has been the answer for drivers facing exactly this problem. This family-owned shop combines rare radiator repair skills with a fully integrated salvage yard, serving antique car owners, semi-truck operators, and cross-country travelers across the western United States.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Laramie Radiator Works, from their unique repair-first philosophy to their dual locations in Laramie and Cheyenne. You will learn about their service specialties, pricing approach, and how to access emergency help when your engine starts running hot far from home.
Explore the Shop’s 75-Year Legacy
Founded by Brothers, Sustained by Family
Laramie Radiator Works began in 1947 when Rolland R. “Red” Rutledge opened a copper-and-brass radiator shop in Laramie, Wyoming. His brother Harold had already established the Cheyenne branch one year earlier in 1946, branching out from a Fort Collins, Colorado operation. From those early days, the shop focused on a craft most modern garages have abandoned: repairing radiators rather than replacing them.
Lawrence Martinez purchased the business from Red Rutledge in 1977 and ran it until his sudden death in 1999. His son, Arvin Martinez, took over ownership and led the company’s most significant transformation in 2016 by acquiring Rinker’s Auto Salvage. This merger moved the Laramie operation to its current address at 203 E. Baker Street, combining repair services with a full-scale auto recycling facility under one roof.
Why Eight Location Changes Matter
The shop has moved eight times since 1947, each relocation reflecting growth and adaptation. From the original 512 S. 2nd Street location to 264 N. 3rd Street in 1964, then through several addresses including 1470 N. 3rd Street and 320 Grand Avenue, the business kept its downtown Laramie roots. The 2016 acquisition of Rinker’s Auto Salvage brought stability to the current Baker Street home.
This longevity matters because technical skills like soldering, boiling tests, and hand-fabricating radiators survive only when passed between generations. Laramie Radiator Works preserved these crafts while competitors abandoned them. That continuity makes the shop indispensable for antique vehicles between 40 and 95+ years old, classic restorations, and custom builds with non-standard cooling needs.
Locate the Right Shop and Hours
Laramie: Main Facility with Salvage Yard
The primary Laramie location serves as the headquarters for repairs, custom fabrication, and the integrated salvage operation.
Key contact details include:
- Address: 203 E Baker St, Laramie, WY 82072
- Phone: (307) 745-8951
- Toll-Free: 1-800-922-5595
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Weekend Status: Closed Saturday and Sunday (Saturday by appointment only)
This is where custom radiator builds happen and where used radiators from donor vehicles undergo pressure testing before resale. The facility accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and cash payments, and offers gender-neutral restrooms on site.
Pro Tip: Call ahead if you are traveling a long distance. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments ensure faster diagnostics and shorter wait times during busy seasons.
Cheyenne: Service Branch with Weekend Access
The Cheyenne location handles emergency cooling repairs and serves travelers breaking down on Interstate 80.
Key contact details include:
- Address: 121 W 15th Street, Suite 202, Cheyenne, WY 82001
- Phone: (307) 634-4141
- Email: info@laramieradiatorworks.com
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM by appointment only
- Sunday: Closed
Emergency service is available at this branch for urgent cooling system failures. Travelers experiencing breakdowns often rely on the Saturday morning window for last-minute repairs before continuing their journey.
Note: Weekend availability remains limited at both locations. Always confirm Saturday hours by phone before making the trip.
Understand Why Repair Beats Replacement
The Repair-First Philosophy
Most modern auto shops replace radiators outright with new OEM or aftermarket units. Laramie Radiator Works takes a different approach, specializing in actual repair work that saves money and preserves originality.
The shop focuses repair efforts on:
- Copper and brass units common in pre-1980s vehicles
- Antique and classic car radiators where new parts no longer exist
- Custom or one-of-a-kind builds requiring specialized solutions
A rebuilt copper radiator can last decades longer than a new aluminum unit with plastic tanks prone to premature failure. For owners of vintage vehicles, this repair-first approach is often the only realistic option.
The Five-Step Repair Process
Standard copper and brass radiator repairs follow a consistent sequence at Laramie Radiator Works.
The process includes:
- Visual Inspection for corrosion, dents, and visible leaks
- Pressure Test at 15 to 18 psi to locate hidden leaks
- Boiling Test simulating engine heat to reveal hidden cracks
- Disassembly and Soldering to unsolder the core, replace tubes, and resolder joints
- Final Test re-pressurizing and inspecting the unit before return
Turnaround time for standard copper and brass units is typically same-day service.
Expert Note: The shop reuses lead solder collected from test tanks as part of a low-waste, high-efficiency workflow that has defined their operations for decades.
Order Custom Radiator Fabrication
Building What No Manufacturer Makes
When factory radiators are obsolete or simply unavailable, Laramie Radiator Works constructs custom units from scratch. This service is vital for vintage trucks, muscle cars, restomods, hot rods, and heavy-duty semis with unique configurations.
How Custom Builds Work
The custom fabrication process follows four stages:
- Bring Your Core or Specs by providing dimensions, inlet and outlet positions, or the original radiator as a template
- Design and Quote where shop engineers draft a build plan with itemized costs and timeline
- Fabrication using hand-assembly techniques with copper, brass, and high-temperature seals
- Test and Deliver with pressure and boil testing completed before shipment
Real Example: A customer from San Francisco had a custom radiator built for a rare truck and received it shipped and installed without any issues.
Source Tested Used Radiators from Salvage
Salvage Yard Meets Quality Control
After acquiring Rinker’s Auto Salvage in 2016, Laramie Radiator Works gained access to an extensive inventory of donor vehicles. Every radiator extracted from these vehicles undergoes rigorous testing before resale.
The testing protocol includes:
- Pressure testing to verify structural integrity
- Boiling simulation to expose hidden weaknesses
- Comprehensive leak inspection on all seams and connections
Only leak-free, fully functional units make it to the sales floor. This quality control makes their used radiators far more reliable than typical salvage yard parts sold without testing.
Available Parts and Shipping Options
Beyond radiators, the salvage operation stocks exhaust manifolds and headers, gas tanks, and used tires including patched and mounted options.
Customers nationwide can access parts through three convenient methods:
- Mailback Service to ship your core for repair or receive a tested used part
- Curbside Pickup by calling ahead and grabbing your part without leaving your vehicle
- Drop-off and Pickup for leaving your radiator and returning later when work is complete
The shop ships frequently to Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Montana, serving the broader western United States from this Wyoming base.
Diagnose Cooling System Failures
Spot the Warning Signs Early
Overheating does not always mean the radiator is at fault. Common symptoms include steam rising from the hood, low coolant levels, a heater blowing cold air, and a dashboard temperature gauge climbing into the red zone.
Laramie Radiator Works offers diagnostic pressure testing to pinpoint the actual source of cooling problems.
What the Diagnostic Test Reveals
A professional pressure test can identify:
- Radiator core leaks invisible during casual inspection
- Cracked tanks or compromised seams
- Failed pressure caps allowing coolant to escape
- Coolant contamination indicating internal corrosion
Policy Note: A fee applies for standalone testing, such as the $92 charge for vintage units. However, if no repair is ultimately needed, the shop may waive the charge entirely. This commitment to honesty over profit has defined their reputation for decades.
Service Every Vehicle Type
Antique and Classic Cars
For vehicles 40+ years old, OEM radiators are often impossible to source through normal channels. Laramie Radiator Works serves as a critical lifeline for restorers by rebuilding original cores, fabricating exact replicas, and sourcing compatible used units from their salvage inventory.
Customer Quote: “Laramie Radiator Works is a lifesaver for these projects. New radiators are impossible to find.” — Scott M., Laramie
Semi-Trucks and Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Truck radiators vary widely even within the same model year, making standard replacements difficult. The shop handles custom core builds, aluminum repair attempts, and high-capacity cooling upgrades for commercial applications. The Cheyenne location is especially active with commercial truckers passing through on Interstate 80.
Modern and Hybrid Vehicles
Yes, the shop services modern cars and hybrids as well. While aluminum-plastic radiators are harder to repair than traditional copper units, Laramie Radiator Works performs pressure tests, replaces electric fans and thermostats, and flushes cooling systems with proper additives for these vehicles.
Avoid Common Repair Mistakes
Do Not Assume All Radiators Are Fixable
While highly skilled, the shop cannot repair every vintage unit. A notable 2014 case involved a 1962 Lincoln Continental where the customer paid $92 for testing, only to learn the design could not be repaired safely. The shop offered a $600 custom build as an alternative, which the customer declined.
The lesson here is clear: always confirm repair feasibility before authorizing diagnostic testing, especially for rare or unusual models.
Do Not Skip the Pressure Test
Many drivers assume a radiator is fine if it is not visibly leaking. However, internal cracks only appear under heat and pressure. Always request a boil test for vintage or high-mileage units to catch problems before they leave you stranded.
Do Not Use the Wrong Coolant
Aluminum radiators require specific anti-corrosion additives to prevent premature failure. Using the wrong coolant type accelerates corrosion and shortens radiator life significantly.
Recommended coolant practices include:
- OEM-spec coolant for modern vehicles
- Phosphate-free formulas for aluminum cores
- Distilled water mixes to prevent mineral buildup
Save Money with Smart Maintenance
Four Tips to Extend Radiator Life
Proper maintenance dramatically extends radiator lifespan and prevents costly breakdowns.
Follow these four key practices:
- Flush Every 2 to 3 Years to remove sludge and corrosion from the system
- Inspect Hoses and Clamps Annually and replace any that show cracks or swelling
- Check Coolant Level Monthly and top off with the proper mix ratio
- Replace the Thermostat Every 60,000 Miles to prevent overheating cycles
Free Bonus: Any paid service at Laramie Radiator Works includes a free cooling system inspection at no additional charge.
Prevent Corrosion in Aluminum Units
Aluminum radiators fail due to electrolysis, improper coolant selection, and contaminated water. The solution is straightforward: use deionized coolant and avoid mixing different brands, which can cause chemical reactions that damage internal components.
Trust Their Proven Reputation
Real Customer Experiences
The $0 Repair That Built Trust: A customer named Danielle R. brought in a vehicle with intermittent overheating. After two weeks of thorough testing, the shop concluded that nothing was wrong and charged $0 for the diagnostic time.
“These guys are the most honest mechanics I’ve ever seen.” — Danielle R., Salt Lake City
Custom Build Success: A San Francisco customer needed a radiator for a custom truck project. Laramie Radiator Works built it from scratch and shipped it for installation.
“They built an amazing custom radiator. Great people. Great service. Lots of skill and knowledge.” — The Little Lady S., July 2024
Handling Criticism Gracefully
The Lincoln Continental incident stands out as a rare negative review in an otherwise stellar reputation. While it raised questions about upfront communication on complex vintage jobs, it also demonstrates that the shop is transparent about limitations, offers solutions like custom builds when repairs fail, and prioritizes honesty over perfection.
Understand Pricing and Value
Fair and Transparent Rates
Laramie Radiator Works maintains a pricing approach consistently described as fair, competitive, and transparent. Diagnostics carry a fee, such as $92 for vintage pressure and boil tests, though fees are often waived if no repair work is needed. Repairs are priced by complexity and typically cost significantly less than new OEM parts. Custom builds receive upfront written quotes based on materials and labor.
Cost-Saving Fact: Rebuilding a copper radiator can cost 50 to 70% less than purchasing a brand-new replacement unit.
Payment and Convenience Options
The shop accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at both locations. Any paid service includes a free cooling system inspection. Emergency service is available in Cheyenne and on-call in Laramie for urgent situations.
Connect and Get Help Fast
Need Immediate Assistance?
Contact the appropriate location based on your situation:
- Breakdown on I-80? Call Cheyenne at (307) 634-4141 for emergency service
- Vintage Car Project Stalled? Call Laramie at (307) 745-8951 for repair and fabrication
- Email Inquiry: Send details to info@laramieradiatorworks.com
Plan Ahead for the Best Experience
Three simple steps improve your service experience:
- Call Before Visiting especially for custom work or salvage parts inquiries
- Ask for a Written Quote to get repair or build estimates in advance
- Schedule Appointments to reduce wait times during peak seasons
Frequently Asked Questions About Laramie Radiator Works
What Types of Radiators Does Laramie Radiator Works Repair?
The shop specializes in copper and brass radiator rebuilding, which is rare among modern auto service providers. They also attempt repairs on aluminum units with plastic tanks when feasible, and they fabricate custom radiators for vehicles where OEM parts are no longer manufactured.
How Long Does a Standard Radiator Repair Take?
Standard copper and brass radiator repairs typically receive same-day turnaround. Custom fabrication projects require longer timelines based on design complexity, material availability, and current workload. The shop provides timeline estimates during the quoting process.
Does Laramie Radiator Works Ship Parts Nationwide?
Yes, the shop offers mailback service for both core repairs and tested used part sales. They ship frequently to customers in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Montana, with the broader western United States as their primary service radius.
Can They Service Modern and Hybrid Vehicles?
Yes, the shop services modern cars and hybrid vehicles alongside their antique and classic car specialty. Services for modern vehicles include pressure testing, electric fan replacement, thermostat replacement, and complete cooling system flushes with proper additives.
What Payment Methods Are Accepted?
Both locations accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The Laramie facility also offers gender-neutral restrooms and serves as the primary site for the integrated salvage yard operations.
Is There a Fee for Diagnostic Testing?
Diagnostic pressure and boil testing carries a fee, such as $92 for vintage units. However, if the diagnostic reveals no repair is needed, the shop frequently waives the charge entirely, demonstrating their commitment to honest service over unnecessary upselling.
Key Takeaways for Choosing Laramie Radiator Works
Laramie Radiator Works stands apart from typical auto shops by preserving the dying craft of radiator repair rather than defaulting to replacement. Their 75-year history, family ownership, and integrated salvage yard create a unique resource for antique vehicle owners, commercial truckers, and travelers facing cooling emergencies across the western United States.
The shop’s commitment to honesty, including documented cases of charging $0 when no repair is needed, has earned multi-generational customer loyalty. Whether you need a same-day pressure test, a custom-built radiator for a rare vehicle, or a tested used part shipped to your door, Laramie Radiator Works delivers expertise that few competitors can match.
Your next step: Call the Laramie shop at (307) 745-8951 or the Cheyenne branch at (307) 634-4141 to discuss your cooling system needs, request a quote, or schedule service before your next road trip or restoration project.
