AC radiator fins

Do any of you guys break down air conditioning radiators beyond cutting the ends off? I see there are 2 feet long sections of copper pipe insulated by the aluminum fins and I was wondering if anyone has ever attempted to remove them.

Yes I have, either with a band saw or a utility knife.

Tried it today just to find out for myself. No good. It weighed 5 lbs before I cut the tubes out and after I on got 2.47 lbs of copper tube.
Its worth $4.50 as clean ACR and $4.15 as #2 copper or $4.55 as #1 copper if I give it an acid bath. Well now I know, or do I ?
.

Leave it together for the best price.

For me, I just cut the ends.
But you never know until you try.

try using a hair dyrer on the insulated pipe and then take a utility knife to it exposing the pipe. any thing else?

Originally Posted by GoldMetalRecyclers

Those fins are 1100 series aluminum. Should be the same price as EC wire. Hope they didn't class it as sheet?

WHAT? no way if thats the case i have been getting ripped off=( i should bring it up next time i get some and i'll say its 1100 series ali and see what they say.

I believe it is worth the most with the steel frame cut off and the unit intact. Open a beer. Take the copper "U's" and toss them into the copper bin. Throw the steel frames into the shred pile. Open another beer. Rinse. Repeat.