The Ford Barn

kimeccles · 03-07-2018, 08:52 PM

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.

pbishop · 03-07-2018, 10:47 PM

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.

Mike V. Florida · 03-08-2018, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimeccles

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.

duke36 · 03-09-2018, 05:01 PM

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..

kimeccles · 03-10-2018, 03:55 PM

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.

hazelhoff · 03-10-2018, 06:35 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

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.

DJ S · 03-10-2018, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimeccles

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??

kimeccles · 03-10-2018, 09:04 PM

Some local shops can order cores. Also in addition to Brassworks, there are Model A radiators by Berg's AND Bert's radiators.

Tom Wesenberg · 03-11-2018, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hazelhoff

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.

03-07-2018, 08:52 PM	#21
kimeccles Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Spokane, Washington state Posts: 250	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. __________________ 68B frame# late May1930, fixed seat, Briggs build plate# & most parts, indicate July, or early Aug. 1930.

03-07-2018, 10:47 PM	#22
pbishop Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Wimauma, Florida Posts: 121	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.

03-09-2018, 05:01 PM	#24
duke36 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 1,414	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..

03-10-2018, 03:55 PM	#25
kimeccles Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Spokane, Washington state Posts: 250	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. __________________ 68B frame# late May1930, fixed seat, Briggs build plate# & most parts, indicate July, or early Aug. 1930.

03-10-2018, 06:35 PM	#26
hazelhoff Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 387	Re: Brasswork's Radiator Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) 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.

03-10-2018, 09:04 PM	#28
kimeccles Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Spokane, Washington state Posts: 250	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. __________________ 68B frame# late May1930, fixed seat, Briggs build plate# & most parts, indicate July, or early Aug. 1930.

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