Radiator repair for local garages

Independent garages, tire shops, towing companies and small fleets that don't have their own radiator bench.

A trade price per radiator for repair, recore or cleaning, often with repeat weekly work from a handful of garages.

• Soldering or brazing, or willingness to learn
• Reliable turnaround and organizing jobs
• Building relationships with shop owners

• Check zoning and your city or county license, especially for a unit shared with other businesses
• Used coolant and solvents are regulated, so check local disposal rules
• Check whether your state requires any registration for repair work done for other shops
• General liability insurance, and cover for customers' parts while they are in your care
• Reliance on a few garages, so losing one can hurt income

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on your workshop unit and equipment. A trade-only setup with no storefront can keep costs lower than a public shop.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on how many garages you serve and how quickly you turn jobs around. Relying on a few garages means losing one can hurt income.

Check zoning and your city or county license, especially for a unit shared with other businesses, plus local rules on disposing of used coolant and solvents. Also check any state registration for repair work done for other shops, and insurance covering customers' parts.