The Ford Barn

The Ford Barn (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/index.php)
-   Model A (1928-31) (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=3)
-   -   Choosing a radiator (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=217514)

Ben Umberger 03-26-2017 09:29 PM

Choosing a radiator
 

Replacing the radiator on a 29 with a new one, the car gets driven once or twice a year, it is not a show car, still don't want to save $40 and get a bad result. Any advice, how does one analyze the available offerings?

Brattons seems to offer 4 that fit a 29

Thanks

denniskliesen 03-26-2017 09:57 PM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

I decided mine already fits so why not get it recored for a lot less. I dropped it off on a Friday afternoon and it was ready on Tuesday.

ALJ 03-26-2017 10:22 PM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

I had my radiator re-cored with excellent results by a shop in Salt Lake City for much less cost than buying a new one.

Tom Endy 03-27-2017 12:03 AM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

Take an original radiator to a radiator shop that speaks Model A and have them install a new core. It is important that they understand Model A radiators so that they re-install the baffle and correctly install all the attach points so that the radiator will easily install back in the car.

Tom Endy

Mike V. Florida 03-27-2017 12:08 AM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

In the past Bergs would sell just a core. My son replaced it himself.

denniskliesen 03-27-2017 01:59 AM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Endy (Post 1448870)
Take an original radiator to a radiator shop that speaks Model A and have them install a new core. It is important that they understand Model A radiators so that they re-install the baffle and correctly install all the attach points so that the radiator will easily install back in the car.

Tom Endy

Glad you brought that up Tom Endy! The shop I took mine to looked it over carefully and he noticed it was missing clips on the bottom for the harness. I asked him if he could put a baffle that was missing in the top tank, sure enough he mentioned that has to be in there to work properly. He even put my seemed overflow tube back in place the way it's supposed to be.

Mike V. Florida 03-27-2017 02:13 AM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by denniskliesen (Post 1448898)
Glad you brought that up Tom Endy! The shop I took mine to looked it over carefully and he noticed it was missing clips on the bottom for the harness. I asked him if he could put a baffle that was missing in the top tank, sure enough he mentioned that has to be in there to work properly. He even put my seemed overflow tube back in place the way it's supposed to be.

If they are still in business why not help you fellow SoCals out with their name.

Synchro909 03-27-2017 05:14 AM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

A friend of mine had his radiator recored but was only 1/2 way happy. The darned thing cooled too well. He covers the bottom half of the rad to get any heat into the motor. Too much of a good thing???:confused:

Tom Wesenberg 03-27-2017 05:26 AM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synchro909 (Post 1448916)
A friend of mine had his radiator recored but was only 1/2 way happy. The darned thing cooled too well. He covers the bottom half of the rad to get any heat into the motor. Too much of a good thing???:confused:

That's great, and he should install a thermostat.:)

Synchro909 03-27-2017 05:53 AM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg (Post 1448917)
That's great, and he should install a thermostat.:)

My thought exactly but when you are 500 miles from any settlement, you do what you can. He fitted the recored radiator the night before leaving on an outback tour. Just as well it was a success!;)

denniskliesen 03-27-2017 10:04 AM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida (Post 1448900)
If they are still in business why not help you fellow SoCals out with their name.

Tom's Radiator. Orange, CA

larrys40 03-27-2017 05:48 PM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

I'm a fan of Bergs. Gery Berg makes a beautiful radiator that will give many years of service
Call him at 618-231-3507
I have out on probably 12-15 if his radiators over the years and they have all been good. He has great packaging and can send anywhere.
Larry Shepard

Fred K-OR 03-27-2017 07:26 PM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

I exchanged mine on my 29 huckster with a rebuilt one from Bert's in Denver back in 2009. Have not had any problems with it at all. Don't remember the price.

Brian in Wheeling 03-27-2017 07:58 PM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

Bergs is the way to go.

Synchro909 03-27-2017 08:03 PM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred K-OR (Post 1449269)
I exchanged mine on my 29 huckster with a rebuilt one from Bert's in Denver back in 2009. Have not had any problems with it at all. Don't remember the price.

What's that old saying? Something about how the quality remains long after the price is forgotten.;)

CarlG 03-28-2017 01:37 AM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian in wheeling (Post 1449292)
bergs is the way to go.

x 2

eagle 03-28-2017 08:09 AM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

I wonder if this company's radiator fits OK? Could call them and see what they say. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fit-Ford-mod...FXgxBn&vxp=mtr

ddweave 03-28-2017 08:45 AM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

The Berg's radiator on my '31 is excellent.

Russ/40 03-28-2017 12:20 PM

Re: Choosing a radiator
 

I went with the Bergs, mainly due to Brassworks' delivery schedule. Berg had it on the shelf and ready to go. It's a beautiful piece for sure. Almost too good. I may have to go with thermostats to get up to operating temp.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:04 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2026, vBulletin Solutions Inc.