Radiator Replacement
 

I'm having a problem with my original radiator, the over flow tube seems to have cracked or broken off at the baffle.
Taking it to a shop this week,to see the out come.
Just looking at New replacements if needed. Any input on the new aluminum styles on the market, or a good one from the Model A catalog guys??
Thanks for any input.
DRC

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

If you want to go cheap, they are on ebay starting at $175! However I've been told they are a bear to fit, and quality is supposedly horrendous. Search past threads, this has been discussed here before. I would go with an original style, get input from a reputable dealer like Bratton's, Snyder's, etc. They may have some well made aluminum available as well.

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

Copper/Brass only way to go in my opinion. the only reason OEM changed to Aluminum was for a weight saving not cooling efficiently which they are not as efficient.

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

I purchased a rebuilt radiator from Bert's in Denver for my Huckster. Has worked great. Never overheated.

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

Brassworks or Bergs are the only 2 new ones ive heard worth a darn. A properly rebuilt original would also be good as long as its properly cleaned, recored, etc.

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

dont forget cost savings that didn't get passed to the consumer!:p:mad:

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

Just put in a new core. You won't have to deal with fitment issues.


Mike

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

heads up but 2 members have said brassworks lower radiator connection is way undersized so it will never seal right. Company said "tough luck" to them after spending nearly $800 on it.

Id go with Bergs or proper recore....

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

Tough luck my ass. I hope he used a credit card because it's time for a charge back to your card!!!! Now lets see how funny it is to just say "tough luck".

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

I have a brassworks radiator it seems fine for tube sizes, I got it about 2 years ago.
it works well. I just put new hoses on last weekend and they fit fine, these were new hoses I got from one of the main A parts suppliers.

So what are the proper/design spec and as built OD dimension for the inlet and outlet on a radiator ?
What is the OD tube sizes of the brassworks radiator ?

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

If radiator is good but overflow tube is cracked take a piece of tygone tubing and fit it inside old tube and use a little water proof sealer, did this years ago and works fine...

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

I replaced my Radiator in my 30 Coupe, got it from the Brass Works; the inlet was not correct, my radiator cap would not fit, I called the Brass works and they would not correct it. I will never purchase anything from them again.

When the Brass Works was in Turlock, CA they did excellent work, the guy that has the business now is sure not as reliable and will not correct problems, just kisses you off.

Ron

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

The last radiator that I bought came from Smith and Jones in Columbia South Carolina . I bought the heavy duty 8 fins per inch version and It fit my 30-31 roadster perfectly . It cools good and the original radiator cap fits well .

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

How many different fins per inch are made. I have heard about 6,8,and 10. Mine seems to be 8. Just wondering if more fins per inch dramatically improves cooling.

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

I think that 10 fins per inch is the most fins per inch offered . The more fins per inch that are used will look less original . Eight fins don't look that bad and most won't notice the difference . More fins have been said to improve cooling and it seems to work good for me . More fins cost more but I was most concerned with cooling .

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

Most credit card companies will stand behind the purchaser. Ifn a CC was used for the purchase I would contact them about the fitment problem.

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

I have just noticed that BrassWorks is no longer listing Model A or AA radiators on their website.

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

Berg's is the way to go. I got 3 in recent years at Hershey and Chickasha and all were good. Saved some money on shipping and he gave me some cash credit for an original core. Talk to him.


Vic

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

I would do what Ron inQuincy suggests in post number 12 !!!

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

I bought a Brassworks supposedly heavy duty radiator a few years back after having overheating problems with the old one. It was no better. I bought the one with more fins to the inch thinking that would improve cooling but the rotters had cut three rows back to two. It is about as useful as fly screens on a submarine.
If they are no longer listing A and AA radiators on their site, I take that as an admission they can’t do them and that makes them pretty poor performers in their line of business.
Radiators seem to be an ongoing problem for Model A owners. Surely someone can make a good one or are they like tubes and good ones are a memory.