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Cap-A-Radiator Cap-A Radiator is NOT JUST RADIATORS. Although founded in 1982 as a shop specializing in RADIATORS, HEATERS, GAS TANKS and AIR CONDITIONING, we expanded long ago into the restoration of CLASSIC RADIATORS, CLASSIC HEATERS and VINTAGE AUTOMOBILES as well as GENERAL AUTO REPAIRS AND STATE INSPECTIONS. The maritime community is also familiar with our workmanship, as we've been repairing MARINE HEAT EXCHANGERS AND FUEL TANKS since the time we opened in the early 1980s! In fact, about the only thing that our technicians don't do is TRANSMISSION REPAIRS, which is fine, because we're now located in the same building as STAR TRANSMISSIONS!
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Bill Carberry founded Cap-A Radiator in 1982 after purchasing a Cap-A Radiator franchise off the original owner and franchiser, Joe Fels. Unfortunately, the radiator and air conditioning repair industry, once a bustling business with over 17,000 official shops in the 1970s, fell flat on its face and the original Cap-A Radiator in Oceanside, just as every other radiator shop in Nassau County and one in Suffolk, went out of business.
As is often the case when an industry (or even a society) meets its demise, it wasn't just one factor. It was many. First, car and truck manufacturers were making terrible products. The OEMs were accustomed to making radiators for non-pressurized cooling systems, but then they began making engines that ran hotter than ever before.
Heater cores have much in common with radiators. They have similar designs: Two tanks and a core. They have hoses carrying coolant to and from them and they both work with fans to dissipate heat. However, their purposes are quite different. While the radiator's goal is to keep your engine cool, the heater's job is to keep you warm.
As an extension of its commitment to preserving automotive history through its cooling system restorations, Cap-A Radiator began restoring antique and classic cars. Since its inception 20 years ago, Long Island Classic Restorations has been restoring muscle cars, vintage cars and trucks, along with installing air conditioning, repairing A/C and cooling systems, and performing repairs and state inspections for vehicles of all years and models. See below for a list of some of the work we perform and enjoy the pictures of some of our projects!.
Reviews (13)
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Peter Pascarelli
Jul 05, 2021
Batting a 1,000 % car never went over 185 °! Extremely happy
Catman Catman
Jun 27, 2021
I took my vehicle there for some simple wiring issues and button up a few minor problems The quality of work that I received back was worse than a child would have done it Wires were thrown everywhere with either, no connectors, exposed copper wire with no tape. Many of the connections that they did were loose and fell off. They refused to make good on it Or give me back my money I had to take it somewhere else and had everything that they did redone again Their inability to do simple tasks cost me thousands of dollars wasted because of them
Myron Baer
Feb 25, 2021
I met these guys when they put a flyer in my car at a car show but they are quite far from me. My 63 Oldsmobile had a converted factory A/C but it never worked right. My shop, who basically are really great, played with it season after season but it just never worked. Then I took it to Cap A Radiator. I wanted them to rip out the factory unit and give me an aftermarket setup. "No" Bill said " This is factory air and unusual.we're going to find what's wrong and fix it right" Within 2 days they had found the problem by taking off the fender where there are some hidden leaking valves.

They got the right parts and got the system working after 18 years of other shops trying. That was last summer. This week it was 92 with high humidity and we decided, let's see if it will work. WELL IT DID! People were staring at us as we cruised the highway in a 57 year old car with the windows rolled up. You guys are the best! Thanks.
Mark Shapiro
Jan 19, 2021
I'll give Bill and his crew five stars and kudos for a job well done. I've had a 1936 Ford model 68 cabriolet for the past four years. Unfortunately I have only driven it about 400 miles. Brought it down to Cap A Radiator and had it converted to 12 V and completely rewired. All mechanicals were addressed and repaired as needed. For the first time in four years I'm enjoying the car. Quality work fair prices and great people to deal with. I would not hesitate to recommend Bill Carberry and Cap A Radiator. Thanks much for a great job.
Jeff R.
Aug 06, 2020
One of those guys on whom you can always depend. I've been a customer for over twenty years. Radiators, heater cores -- they've all come to Cap-a-Radiator. Never a doubt that the job would be done right. I know there is no better radiator shop anywhere. Remember when you could trust a supplier? Remember the days you didn't feel ripped off by everyone? This is that place you are happy bringing your work. True craftsmen. Thank you guys, for what you do. For being there whenever I need you.
Tom Butler
May 19, 2020
I recently discovered that my inspection had expired and I needed to find a shop that could get me in quickly. I gave Cap-A-Radiator a call, and even though many shops were shut down due to COVID-19, Bill and his staff were working. He had me come in the next morning and I was back on the road (legally) in short order. Much appreciated.
Lawrence Alssid
Feb 11, 2020
Thank you to Bill and the crew at Cap-A-Radiator. I brought my 69 Skylark in for a number of issues, including a/c overhaul, radiator and timing chain cover leak. I was planning a long trip in my 50 year old car and wanted to make sure I arrived and returned safely. Cap-A-Radiator did a thorough assessment of the condition of my car. They did a great job for a fair price and found a few other issues that needed to be addressed.

I liked the fact that before doing any work Bill had me stop by the shop, showed me the problems and discussed various alternatives for addressing the problems. I feel comfortable recommending Bill and Cap-A-Radiator for work on you classic car, including A/C, Radiator, and General Mechanical issues.
Danny S.
Nov 23, 2019
Stopped my 40 ford from overheating when no one else could, these guys are great
John Dierks
Nov 04, 2019
This is the second time I have brought a vehicle to Cap A Radiator and it is the second time I have been extremely happy with the results. The first time they installed the original factory air conditioning in my 1964 Ford Galaxie and did an outstanding job. Just last week they installed power steering in my 1967 Ford F100 pickup. The job was an adventure since the kit that is sold for the conversion did not fit as it was supposed to.

Many custom modifications were needed that required a lot of time and engineering. The job is perfect and I can finally enjoy driving it. (and so can my daughter) Many thanks to Bill and his team.
Matt S.
Jun 02, 2017
Great shop with great employees they know how to do the job in a timely matter. It's nice to see classic cars being restored back on the road again! Last time I had my car worked on I stayed around just to see the cars and how they turned turned out I was amazed on what they do. When I asked the owner if I can ask questions about what else they do he was more then happy to answer each and every one with detailed answers. I would highly recommend this shop as I will be returning with other work when needed.
John Haas
Mar 06, 2016
They have done work on several of my and friends cars. They never do unnecessary repairs. THEY ALWAYS get the job done at a fair price. Quality is always less costly in the long run. You get what you pay for. They don't use cheapo materials or parts. They stand behind their work. Nothing is 100%, I had to bring back my 66 Ford after they upgraded it to disc brakes, I didn't like the way it braked & they agreed it should of been better. Not their fault they used the parts that were recommended, the manufacturer exchanged the boosters. They did the swap at no charge. I will always recommend this shop.
Hank M.
Nov 11, 2013
These guys are great. They take care and pride in what they do and it shows. They don't try and upsell you on something you don't need. Great attention to detail. They tend to work mostly on customs and rods and they were a great find to work on mine. Trustworthy and honest: hard to find in auto repair.
Ydania O.
Dec 27, 2011
They deserve *****10 STARS*****. As a woman dealing with mechanics is VERY stressful. Here's my story: I took my car to Jiffy Lube for a radiator flush and an oil change. The very next day the smell of antifreeze was overwhelming. I took the car back to Jiffy Lube and told them about the smell. I also showed them that the antifreeze had turned a murky color.

They told me not to worry, that everything was fine with my car. I knew something was wrong. The smell of antifreeze would not go away. So I decided to take my car to a mechanic who specializes in radiators. I arrived at Cap-A Radiator and did not tell Bill Carberry, the owner, about the previous work I had just done at Jiffy Lube. They checked my radiator and found that it was VERY dirty.

They did a reverse flush and refilled it with new antifreeze. Checked the thermostat and cooling fan. And they also checked the belts and radiator cap. The BEST thing they found was that the oil filter was loose and was dripping oil onto the exhaust. (Remember that oil change I just had done at Jiffy Lube!) BILL CARBERRY is the BEST! He took care of my car's problem and fixed what could have cost me my engine. He personally takes care of all the customers at his shop. Check out his website for more info. He loves what he does and it shows. I can't recommend him enough!