What Are Your Thoughts On Using a Honeycomb Radiator?

[1930-Pickup]

I'm still working on getting my late '30 CCPU back to the factory correct radiator shell (stainless steel shell off, carbon steel shell on).

When the time comes to put the carbon steel shell on I'll have the option of using a vintage honeycomb radiator. The date code reads 1940, and this fits in well with the theme of the truck which is 'The War Years' (how the truck would look in the early 1940's).

In your opinion, do you like seeing after-market honeycomb radiators on Model A's or other vintage vehicles?

[Tom Wesenberg]

If it cools, I'd use it. They are stock on many old cars.

[Sunnybrook Farm]

I have a 30 tudor that is kind of a 50s Model A as it has the typical metal roof and V8 wheels, I am just leaving it like that as I have already done the restore route on the other 2. So I would leave it since you are going for the post production look and it is right for your time period.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Honeycombs do a good job, but CAN'T be rodded out, in a conventional manner!
Bill Cool

[Rex_A_Lott]

It's always interesting to me to see what people did to get by, when money was short and times were hard. I'd run it, if it was in good shape. Good luck!

[J Franklin]

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I have a T with a honeycomb radiator and I like the look!

[Synchro909]

I have a radiator for the 1928/9 model cars in the back shed. I've wondered about using it but I have no idea how clogged it is, even IF it is. I might make it a job to do over the new year period - test it and if it appears clogged, try cleaning it by circulating water with detergent through it, maybe vinegar.
I prefer the look of the honeycomb radiators but I have been told often that they don't cool as well as the modern style. True or not?

[updraught]

This is the machine it was most likely built on:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxt6EN-39Ck

Maybe just buy a new one.

[michael a]

Rex,folks were broke no one had any money, so they bartered and what they had they treated with respect and took care of it! My parents both went through the great depression and that haunted them to the grave.

[Kevin in NJ]

If it works fine.

They look strange especially in a line of A's. If you are fine with that then use one.

[KGBnut]

If it is not a fine points car, I would suggest that you use it. Personally, I try to keep my car pretty original, but I love to have period correct accessories and modifications. As others have said, folks did whatever was needed to keep these cars on the road.

I find that those modifications make great conversation starters.

I would love to see pictures of the results.

Good luck,

Ken

[Beater]

I have an original survivor honeycomb on my speedster. cools fine and I like the look

[Gold Digger]

I have one on a TT fire truck and it cools fine.

[160B]

Originally Posted by updraught

This is the machine it was most likely built on:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxt6EN-39Ck

Maybe just buy a new one.

Great video!!!!

Another example of what goes on in AU, that you do not see being done in the US.

[Purdy Swoft]

If original appearance is important to you you will need to find a different radiator . If its not a points show car it probably won't matter .

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by updraught

This is the machine it was most likely built on:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxt6EN-39Ck

Maybe just buy a new one.

Thanks for sharing ! Wow, labor intensive. Wonder how much $ for hand made honeycomb ? IMO, they look good. My '30 came to me with one, although ruined. Had it re-cored like all are done now. If I had a good honeycomb, I'd replace the one in my roadster with it !

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by hardtimes

Thanks for sharing ! Wow, labor intensive. Wonder how much $ for hand made honeycomb ? IMO, they look good. My '30 came to me with one, although ruined. Had it re-cored like all are done now. If I had a good honeycomb, I'd replace the one in my roadster with it !

I've restored a number of cars to concourse condition. On my first, I wanted the radiator to be honeycomb like the original but I couldn't find anybody to make one then (20+ years ago). I used a modern core and took a thin slice (about 1/4") off the front and back of the original core I had. I put one in front of the modern core and the other behind it. Judges didn't pick it up! Hope they are not reading this!!!

[cedar]

I would use that radiator.

[1930-Pickup]

Thanks for your thoughts everyone.

Below is a photo of the radiator and shell that I'm still working on. The white streaks on the core is from some oxalic acid that I was using to remove initial rust stains from the top tank.

There is still some question on whether I'll be able to use this radiator due to the extensive repairs, but I'll try (Replace filler neck, straighten top tank, fix support rod bracket, fix leaks at inlet neck). The core is clean and damage-free, and it flows about 8 gallons per minute.

The previously posted video of how these radiators are made was great and explains why the honeycomb radiators were more expensive than the 'typical' finned radiators we see today. You just cant find that kind of craftsmanship anymore.

[updraught]

That core looks good to me.

There is more reading on Gregs web page.

http://www.ftrs.com.au/honey/comb.php

And a second video. Have a look under the "Honeycombe" section on the left.

He has a radiator shop with all manner of old junk like Bugatti radiators. I had an A fuel tank cleaned there. The tank was strapped to the roof of our car for the long trip north.
Just about everywhere we stopped someone would ask "what is that thing on your roof?".
So I would tell them, "we are heading to Cape York and it is a long range fuel tank. See the guage and filler cap and there is a tap underneath for a tube to drain by gravity to the main tank."
They would look astounded and say "but its on the roof!!".
Eventually they would realise I was pulling their leg.