radiator problems

[Anonymous]

I was in the process of buying a 96 magna from a friend, when he laid it down and into a car.  There is not much mechanical damage, so I decided still buy it at a discounted price.  The only major mechanical problem is with the radiator.  The cap got hit and (as far as I can tell) just damaged the fill tube that sticks up.  It is crunched in and doesn't seal with the cap.  Fluid spews out of the cap.  I realize that the best thing to do is to buy a new radiator, but I'm poor and don't want to spend the $600 if I don't have too.  Anyone have any suggestions?  I also have heard that the radiator isn't really necessary and to just take it off.  This sounds a little bold, and I wondered if anyone else has done this successfully (I live in Atlanta).  Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Greg Cothern]

Take the radiator to an automotive radiator shop they should be able to fix it for you.  A car neck maybe the same size but not sure, worst case scenario you find a bad radiator with a good neck and swap.
Hope this helps.

[Magna 4 Me]

I don't think the bike would survive running without a radiator, especially in the south.  Would you drive your car or truck without a radiator?  

If you have a bike graveyard, salvage lot, in your area you might check with them to see if they have a late model Magna that has a good radiator.  Should be a lot cheaper than a new one.

As Greg said, if it isn't busted too bad it may be fixable.