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Old 03-06-2018, 10:38 AM   #1
DJ S
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Default Brasswork's Radiator

In lieu of the other thread concerning Snyder's replacement radiators; how are the brasswork's radiators?
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Old 03-06-2018, 10:58 AM   #2
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

Love mine.
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Old 03-06-2018, 11:08 AM   #3
Ernie Vitucci
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

I have had mine for 12 years or so and it has worked just fine. Ernie
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Old 03-06-2018, 11:42 AM   #4
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

I had to tweak the bracket that holds the shell on in one corner of the radiator, and that was to fit an original shell. But other than that it was perfect and works great. That was 9 months ago. Good radiators are expensive, but nine months on I don’t miss the money and my car runs cool.
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Old 03-06-2018, 12:05 PM   #5
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Three years on mine works and looks great.
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Old 03-06-2018, 01:37 PM   #6
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Love mine!
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Old 03-06-2018, 01:54 PM   #7
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

When I called Brassworks to order a radiator, they told me it would be several months before I would receive it. I ordered a radiator from Bergs and the first thing I noticed (besides the quick delivery) was how physically heavy it was compared to my other Model A radiators. It has worked like a champ ever since...........
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Old 03-06-2018, 04:15 PM   #8
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ S View Post
In lieu of the other thread concerning Snyder's replacement radiators; how are the brasswork's radiators?
A search here will reveal a lot of threads on Brassworks radiators.
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Old 03-06-2018, 04:59 PM   #9
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

My HD, pressurised Brassworks radiator isn't up up to the job. I have cleaned out the rest of the system well but still I sometimes boil it.
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Old 03-06-2018, 05:03 PM   #10
Mike Peters
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

Bought one for our 15 T several years ago and it's wonderful. Car runs cool on hot days without a water pump. The initial investment is soon forgotten when it serves it's intended purpose without problems. Never heard of problems with Model A radiators from Brassworks.
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Old 03-06-2018, 08:41 PM   #11
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

Mine works Great. 2 mile 8% grade between my house and town and it doesn't overheat.
Good Luck
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Old 03-06-2018, 08:42 PM   #12
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

Quote:
Originally Posted by oldman - NorCal View Post
When I called Brassworks to order a radiator, they told me it would be several months before I would receive it. I ordered a radiator from Bergs and the first thing I noticed (besides the quick delivery) was how physically heavy it was compared to my other Model A radiators. It has worked like a champ ever since...........


Good point, and that's another reason I chose BERG'S.


The other repro radiator was 10 pounds lighter than the original 1930 AA radiator.
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Old 03-06-2018, 11:27 PM   #13
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

I've had a Brassworks radiator for a few years and it works fine.
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Old 03-07-2018, 12:45 AM   #14
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

Very happy with Brassworks
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Old 03-07-2018, 08:37 AM   #15
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

Have one in my pickup, since 2010.
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Old 03-07-2018, 10:40 AM   #16
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

I bought the very last round-tube 28/29 Model A Brassworks radiator in stock after they stopped making them.

Had it several months before installing. The Brassworks radiator fit perfectly. It is very heavy, and that is good. The car it is in runs cool enough on most days, but when it is close to 100 degrees outside, if you climb a hill, the car will overheat and start sneezing coolant droplets onto the windshield. I just figured that's the price you pay for originality.

It sure looks nice though.
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Old 03-07-2018, 12:31 PM   #17
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

When I was a kid I installed a radiator from JC Whitney. 40 years later it is still doing a great job. Who woulda thunk it?
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Old 03-07-2018, 12:44 PM   #18
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I mostly had good luck with JC Whitney parts .
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Old 03-07-2018, 12:58 PM   #19
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

Do a search here as BrassWorks has been covered before.
Paul in CT
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Old 03-07-2018, 06:28 PM   #20
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

Just a note to think about. If you have a good radiator and are running warm/hot, then check to see that your carburetor is not running too lean and that your timing is correct. It is logical to blame the radiator, it is not always guilty. Ernie
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Old 03-07-2018, 08:52 PM   #21
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

I have a new Brassworks for 1930 and can't get the radiator cap on. Not close to original as my original cap is mint and even an aftermarket one I bought to try, also did not fit. No successful support and even they can't find a cap that fits and looks right. I can't drive it as no cap...without Dremel tool and cutting it down some, etc.
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68B frame# late May1930, fixed seat, Briggs build plate# & most parts, indicate July, or early Aug. 1930.
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Old 03-07-2018, 10:47 PM   #22
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

I have had mine for two years now. Does a GREAT job here in Tampa Florida (using 4 blade fan and NO coolant - no concern over freezing here). Never has even come close to overheating. Reached 200 degrees last July waiting in slow traffic for 30 minutes or so.

Had one problem when first mounting on my 31 coupe. Radiator shell holes did not match up just right. I had to ream out the mounting holes on the radiator about .075" to mount the shell.

Use distilled water and change out when it starts to look dirty - should last and last.
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Old 03-08-2018, 11:39 PM   #23
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

Quote:
Originally Posted by kimeccles View Post
I have a new Brassworks for 1930 and can't get the radiator cap on. Not close to original as my original cap is mint and even an aftermarket one I bought to try, also did not fit. No successful support and even they can't find a cap that fits and looks right. I can't drive it as no cap...without Dremel tool and cutting it down some, etc.
Many, many, many, people have said the same thing. Brassworks stated to them that the neck is made 100% to Fords drawing. Guess all those that have posted here in the past (as well as you) are wrong.
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Old 03-09-2018, 05:01 PM   #24
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

Some of the vendors caps with the straight tangs don't fit well and/or the gasket is too thick for the '30 neck.. One repro. st. steel was procured (can't remember where) with the curved tangs and a little vaseline and good to go. Do an internet search and have the vendor provide a photo of the cap back. I believe it's similar to the Stant profile in the Jud. Stds..
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Old 03-10-2018, 03:55 PM   #25
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

Yes many people have this issue and get out the Dremel tool. as opposed to sending back or other options like recore the original which is probably best idea in hindsight.

However I have a $600+ radiator with no cap that fits yet as I am trying to figure out what to grind out and sure do not want to have to remove it and mail it back for $100+.

My original cap has correct gasket thickness and is flat blade. I did try the curved blade aftermarket and it does not go all the way on.

NOTHING fits this one they sent to my Antique Auto supplier without grinding off excess at the cap which I have yet to do. Try to find a good original top and bottom and recore is my recommendation.
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Old 03-10-2018, 06:35 PM   #26
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

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Berg's radiators may be fine, but they are FAR FROM original ! Only three rows of tubes instead of four, flat tubes instead of round ones. I didn't the number of fins for correctness.
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Old 03-10-2018, 07:19 PM   #27
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

Quote:
Originally Posted by kimeccles View Post
Yes many people have this issue and get out the Dremel tool. as opposed to sending back or other options like recore the original which is probably best idea in hindsight.

However I have a $600+ radiator with no cap that fits yet as I am trying to figure out what to grind out and sure do not want to have to remove it and mail it back for $100+.

My original cap has correct gasket thickness and is flat blade. I did try the curved blade aftermarket and it does not go all the way on.

NOTHING fits this one they sent to my Antique Auto supplier without grinding off excess at the cap which I have yet to do. Try to find a good original top and bottom and recore is my recommendation.
I've considered this option before but where do you purchase a new core??
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Old 03-10-2018, 09:04 PM   #28
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

Some local shops can order cores. Also in addition to Brassworks, there are Model A radiators by Berg's AND Bert's radiators.
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Old 03-11-2018, 02:26 AM   #29
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Default Re: Brasswork's Radiator

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Berg's radiators may be fine, but they are FAR FROM original ! Only three rows of tubes instead of four, flat tubes instead of round ones. I didn't the number of fins for correctness.

I bought my Berg's core about 12 years ago, and at that time they were the only ones making exact replicas of original 28-9 round tube radiator cores.
If they aren't correct now, then things have changed.
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