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Old 05-15-2020, 02:42 PM   #1
41panelmark
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Default Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

My new 40 has a original stock radiator in it that works fine except has a leak along the top tank and underside near the tubes as well. For the time being and expense wise I thought I would put in one of the Mac's Champion Aluminum Radiator, Flat Head Configuration, 3-Row units.
Part #: 32-360475-1

Re-coring and repairing mine will run close to $1k so for a reasonable price why not? And it appears as if it will fit nicely. Have any of you guys used it and or what are your thoughts?

thanks in advance.

Mark
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Old 05-15-2020, 02:45 PM   #2
Mart
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

I'd have a go at repairing it myself first. Soldering a rad isn't hard. I've repaired my 33 rad and am currently doing my 40 rad. Does it need recoring, or just some localised repairs?

Oh yeah, there will be a video on it sometime soon.

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Old 05-15-2020, 02:52 PM   #3
Angledrive
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

Second Marts suggestion
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Old 05-15-2020, 05:21 PM   #4
39portlander
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

Mark, I would contact and consider Brassworks. They build a radiator for my 39 and probably can make one for that purdy green fordy
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Old 05-15-2020, 05:51 PM   #5
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

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Originally Posted by 39portlander View Post
Mark, I would contact and consider Brassworks. They build a radiator for my 39 and probably can make one for that purdy green fordy
If you go with BrassWorks your radiator woes will be gone for good.
"Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten"
Do it once and do it right.
If you do not have radiator soldering experience it can be exasperating.
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Old 05-15-2020, 06:03 PM   #6
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I just installed a Brassworks radiator in my '41. No problems and well made.
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Old 05-15-2020, 06:09 PM   #7
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

Mark,
I'm very happy with the Brassworks radiator in my '39 p/u but you're looking at a grand or more with shipping. Aren't there any real radiator shops around that could at least repair the leaks? They may however tell you it needs a new core which will be big bucks judging by the $150.00 it cost just for a new core my '54 Ranch Wagon heater. But fighting an over heating issue sucks, especially in a flathead.

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Old 05-15-2020, 06:32 PM   #8
V8COOPMAN
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

Here's one of the BRASSWORKS offerings for a 1940 Truck radiator. Click the link for details! DD


https://thebrassworks.net/collection...r-reproduction


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Old 05-15-2020, 07:43 PM   #9
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

The Brassworks radiators I have purchased are high quality.
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Old 05-15-2020, 08:22 PM   #10
GB SISSON
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

It's just a bolt in unit. It isn't like chopping the top or mounting your '40 on an S10 frame. It's 100% reversible when all the other bugs are worked out. I for one would buy a chinese aluminum radiator. They don't look like an original Ford radiator, that's a given. But they are beautifully welded and fit with no alteration. Cost between 225 and 250.00. No leaks, no overheating and no issues. If and when your ship comes in, buy a very beautiful Brassworks job and use the aluminum rad on your run stand or give it to some young guy trying to get his project leakproof. As a learning welder who has bought 3 of these offshore units in the past year, I can't get over the beautiful overlapping 'silver dollars' in the many welds. I thought they must be done by a robot but someone here said they'd seen the factories in China and the workers are just plain skilled. 1000.00 verses 250.00.... and reversible
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Old 05-15-2020, 08:37 PM   #11
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

I'm gonna do my damnedest NOT to buy anything more from "over there", ever again! DD
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Old 05-15-2020, 09:03 PM   #12
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

You get what you pay for. Your time is worth something too, so R&Ring various radiators for trial isn’t worth my time or money. Buy a quality radiator and be done with it. Time is money.
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Old 05-15-2020, 09:03 PM   #13
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

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I'm gonna do my damnedest NOT to buy anything more from "over there", ever again! DD


Same here V8coopman. There has to be an honest radiator shop around that can do it if you are afraid to do it yourself.
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Old 05-15-2020, 09:29 PM   #14
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

Radiator shops these days are few and far between.
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Old 05-15-2020, 10:01 PM   #15
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

Try U.S. Radiators in Southen California. They do a great job and are cost efficientl.
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Old 05-16-2020, 12:05 AM   #16
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

If it leaks in the solder between tank and end plate holding radiator tubes it´s an easy repair.
If it leaks between radiator tubes and the endplates...a whole lot less fun to deal with.
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Old 05-16-2020, 02:25 AM   #17
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

Hey Mark-

I have a real nice original 40’ deluxe radiator (different than standard models and pickups) that came out of a restored car I’d sell to you. In fact I have an OLD third generation 1920’s radiator shop here in Detroit that I go to, I would take it there for you and have it boiled out, low pressure tested, repaired if needed and painted which usually comes to $150. I’ve shipped flathead radiators in the past in a crate that I’ve made. CO could be around $100, I’d let it go for $200. I just put together a radiator for my 41’ pickup and have 450 into it for comparison. I’ll do all this just so you don’t put a Made in China POS in it..... plus it helps you, helps a good old radiator guy named Mel and helps fund my projects. I will take some pics tomorrow if you’re interested.

Mike

Last edited by Mike Conshafter; 05-16-2020 at 04:35 PM.
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Old 05-16-2020, 07:42 AM   #18
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

I had a custom radiator made by Custom Auto Radiators and it is well made.
https://www.customautoradiator.com/index.html
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Old 05-16-2020, 08:10 AM   #19
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

Had my radiator re-cored with a new 3 core wide tube design. Same size as an "old school" 4 core and a lot more efficient.

Any local guy that is competent can do the same. I'd rather pend my money supporting the local guys if at all possible, especially if their pricing is competitive.
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Old 05-16-2020, 08:12 AM   #20
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Default Re: Radiator.... Mac's What say you?

Quote:
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Try U.S. Radiators in Southen California. They do a great job and are cost efficientl.
I have a US radiator in my roadster and like it.

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