The Ford Barn

BL · 06-09-2011, 07:26 PM

I need a new radiator for my deuce . My question is that if any of you barners have a suggestion for a certain brand or manufacture of radiators. I currently have a walker aluminum radiator that has been good for about 15 years but is leaking badly now . One of my concearns is that most aluminum radiators are glued together , using epoxy to attach the tanks to the core. I have a smallblock chevy engine with manual trans.

Any suggetions for which radiator to purchase and the ones not to buy as well ? ?

Thanks, Willis

TJ · 06-09-2011, 10:11 PM

Not all aluminum radiators are glued together. Many are welded together. The other option is to go with the copper/brass Walker. Check the rod mags( Street Rodder, etc) for radiator suppliers. You might check the Brass Works in Paso Robles, Ca. or U.S. Radiatorin L.A. My neighbor just got a copper/brass one from U.S. Radiator for his 53 Ford. The price was right and it looks like a good quality radiator.

roadster36 · 06-09-2011, 10:19 PM

Tom is right on the money. Go with a copper or brass radiator. I have fixed quite a few aluminum radiators for guys with ground pounder motors. I don't think aluminum is as forgiving when it comes to vibrations etc. I have also read the copper radiators transfer heat more efficiently as well. The old adage "you get what you pay for" is really true here.

jimTN · 06-10-2011, 06:19 AM

If you have a flathead in there, 4 or 8, the easiest way to go is to have a rad shop install a new core. A good shop will fit a core by size, not scarce make. If it is a garbage truck enjine, then the alum would be the way to go.

felix37 · 06-10-2011, 10:44 PM

Go with a Walker!

deucemac · 06-11-2011, 12:02 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I just came home with a radiator form the Brassworks today. After a horrible time with the aluminum radiator (from a BIG and recognized radiator builder that was epoxied together). Lee at Brassworks took me on a shot tour that was most interesting. They build custom radiators from Mercedes SSK 540's to your most common vehicle and all are works of art. After watching, asking questions and seeing what they do, believe me, they are at the top of their game and know the business. I couldn't have been treated better. Will install the radiator tomorrow and get the car ready for the LA Roadsters meet on Father's Day weekend. The OTHER guy had me send my radiator back to him and was not able to make it quit leaking at all. It was just out of warranty but only 1600 miles of use since I didn't install it until late in the build.They offered me a flaming hot deal on a replacement and when they were done, it was a whole $25 less that the price I paid for the original Deals like that make me want to buy swamp land in Florida.

345 DeSoto · 06-11-2011, 06:36 AM

Believe it or not, the radiator in the car in my Avatar (blown DeSoto Hemi) is a Stock 32 Ford, 4 cylinder radiator, zero pressure, ($75) and it has NEVER come close to overheating. The only modification necessary was to have the lower tank removed and reversed, the hose fitting installed on the right, and the old location closed. I installed an overflow tank in an inconspicuous spot (closed system now), and it has worked flawlessly....

ken1939 · 06-12-2011, 07:20 AM

I will probably turn to Walker for my 32 Rad. My current rad is a Griffon, and cannot keep my flathead cool. I am told the Z series Walker is supposed to fix the problem. My issue with them is getting one with a dummy fill neck. I am not ruining a perfect rad shell cause of them.

I may give the brassworks a call, since we are talking 900.00 anyway, if its a few dollars more and works all the better.

I have heard good things about brassworks.

ken1939 · 06-12-2011, 07:22 AM

Thats tremendous. I was always keeping an eye out for an original V8 rad for my 32, but will probably end up aftermarket.

You remind me of my late friend Jack who had a 40 coupe, with a tri power pontiac in it, and only used a commerical 40 rad with no fan..Always kept it cool.

I think your rod shows its possible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 345 DeSoto

Believe it or not, the radiator in the car in my Avatar (blown DeSoto Hemi) is a Stock 32 Ford, 4 cylinder radiator, zero pressure, ($75) and it has NEVER come close to overheating. The only modification necessary was to have the lower tank removed and reversed, the hose fitting installed on the right, and the old location closed. I installed an overflow tank in an inconspicuous spot (closed system now), and it has worked flawlessly....

alchemy · 06-13-2011, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BL

I currently have a walker aluminum radiator that has been good for about 15 years but is leaking badly now .

I've never seen or heard of an aluminum Walker. They are big proponents of copper.

Currently driving a hotrod flathead powered '32 tudor with a Walker that never see's much over 160 degrees.

BL · 06-16-2011, 07:17 AM

Thanks so much guys ! No time to fix the problem now but will have to get to it after the L.A. Roadster Show. I'll be in the swapmeet area with my deuce roadster . . . I will be easy to find . . . The guy with the leaky radiator ! LOL ! !

Krylon32 · 06-16-2011, 08:35 AM

I've used dozens of Walker radiators over the years and have had no problems. I did venture over to Brassworks when I need a couple of radiators custom built and they worked great. I have a Walker in my 3 window and for the delivery I'm currently building and a Brassworks German Silver radiator for my upcoming project, another deuce roadster.

V8 Bob · 06-16-2011, 09:33 AM

I had Custom Auto Radiator out of NJ build my copper/brass '32 radiator a few years ago, and am very satisfied with the quality and performance. I think they are still in business even though they do not advertise like they used to.

ken1939 · 06-16-2011, 05:10 PM

I've had a custom auto rad in my 39 chevy for like 25 years. Cant say about them now though.

My only complaint with Walker is getting a dummy fill neck. Its like I have three heads or something when I ask about it.

I dont want to ruin a perfectly nice rad shell with a "contraption" to bolt the rad cap to.

Ric Dean · 01-06-2012, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 345 DeSoto

Believe it or not, the radiator in the car in my Avatar (blown DeSoto Hemi) is a Stock 32 Ford, 4 cylinder radiator, zero pressure, ($75) and it has NEVER come close to overheating. The only modification necessary was to have the lower tank removed and reversed, the hose fitting installed on the right, and the old location closed. I installed an overflow tank in an inconspicuous spot (closed system now), and it has worked flawlessly....

… Thanks for sharing this info, I've often wondered what is wrong with Henrys Rads? You’ve answered that question for me plus they look so dam good in a traditional Rod.
Ric

06-09-2011, 07:26 PM	#1
BL Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 165	Which radiator to buy for my 1932 ? ? ? I need a new radiator for my deuce . My question is that if any of you barners have a suggestion for a certain brand or manufacture of radiators. I currently have a walker aluminum radiator that has been good for about 15 years but is leaking badly now . One of my concearns is that most aluminum radiators are glued together , using epoxy to attach the tanks to the core. I have a smallblock chevy engine with manual trans. Any suggetions for which radiator to purchase and the ones not to buy as well ? ? Thanks, Willis

06-09-2011, 10:11 PM	#2
TJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napa,California Posts: 6,035	Re: Which radiator to buy for my 1932 ? ? ? Not all aluminum radiators are glued together. Many are welded together. The other option is to go with the copper/brass Walker. Check the rod mags( Street Rodder, etc) for radiator suppliers. You might check the Brass Works in Paso Robles, Ca. or U.S. Radiatorin L.A. My neighbor just got a copper/brass one from U.S. Radiator for his 53 Ford. The price was right and it looks like a good quality radiator.

06-09-2011, 10:19 PM	#3
roadster36 BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sonoma,Calif. Posts: 877	Re: Which radiator to buy for my 1932 ? ? ? Tom is right on the money. Go with a copper or brass radiator. I have fixed quite a few aluminum radiators for guys with ground pounder motors. I don't think aluminum is as forgiving when it comes to vibrations etc. I have also read the copper radiators transfer heat more efficiently as well. The old adage "you get what you pay for" is really true here.

06-10-2011, 06:19 AM	#4
jimTN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Powell, TN Posts: 2,509	Re: Which radiator to buy for my 1932 ? ? ? If you have a flathead in there, 4 or 8, the easiest way to go is to have a rad shop install a new core. A good shop will fit a core by size, not scarce make. If it is a garbage truck enjine, then the alum would be the way to go.

06-10-2011, 10:44 PM	#5
felix37 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 1,093	Re: Which radiator to buy for my 1932 ? ? ? Go with a Walker!

06-11-2011, 12:02 AM	#6
deucemac Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tehachapi, Ca. Posts: 208	Re: Which radiator to buy for my 1932 ? ? ? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I just came home with a radiator form the Brassworks today. After a horrible time with the aluminum radiator (from a BIG and recognized radiator builder that was epoxied together). Lee at Brassworks took me on a shot tour that was most interesting. They build custom radiators from Mercedes SSK 540's to your most common vehicle and all are works of art. After watching, asking questions and seeing what they do, believe me, they are at the top of their game and know the business. I couldn't have been treated better. Will install the radiator tomorrow and get the car ready for the LA Roadsters meet on Father's Day weekend. The OTHER guy had me send my radiator back to him and was not able to make it quit leaking at all. It was just out of warranty but only 1600 miles of use since I didn't install it until late in the build.They offered me a flaming hot deal on a replacement and when they were done, it was a whole $25 less that the price I paid for the original Deals like that make me want to buy swamp land in Florida.

06-11-2011, 06:36 AM	#7
345 DeSoto Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Skaneateles,NY(summer)/Port St.Lucie,FL(winter Posts: 126	Re: Which radiator to buy for my 1932 ? ? ? Believe it or not, the radiator in the car in my Avatar (blown DeSoto Hemi) is a Stock 32 Ford, 4 cylinder radiator, zero pressure, ($75) and it has NEVER come close to overheating. The only modification necessary was to have the lower tank removed and reversed, the hose fitting installed on the right, and the old location closed. I installed an overflow tank in an inconspicuous spot (closed system now), and it has worked flawlessly.... __________________ ..."If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits eighty-eight miles per hour... you're gonna see some serious shit"...

06-12-2011, 07:20 AM	#8
ken1939 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 271	Re: Which radiator to buy for my 1932 ? ? ? I will probably turn to Walker for my 32 Rad. My current rad is a Griffon, and cannot keep my flathead cool. I am told the Z series Walker is supposed to fix the problem. My issue with them is getting one with a dummy fill neck. I am not ruining a perfect rad shell cause of them. I may give the brassworks a call, since we are talking 900.00 anyway, if its a few dollars more and works all the better. I have heard good things about brassworks.

06-16-2011, 07:17 AM	#11
BL Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 165	Re: Which radiator to buy for my 1932 ? ? ? Thanks so much guys ! No time to fix the problem now but will have to get to it after the L.A. Roadster Show. I'll be in the swapmeet area with my deuce roadster . . . I will be easy to find . . . The guy with the leaky radiator ! LOL ! !

06-16-2011, 08:35 AM	#12
Krylon32 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,482	Re: Which radiator to buy for my 1932 ? ? ? I've used dozens of Walker radiators over the years and have had no problems. I did venture over to Brassworks when I need a couple of radiators custom built and they worked great. I have a Walker in my 3 window and for the delivery I'm currently building and a Brassworks German Silver radiator for my upcoming project, another deuce roadster.

06-16-2011, 09:33 AM	#13
V8 Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granger (Northern) Indiana Posts: 1,520	Re: Which radiator to buy for my 1932 ? ? ? I had Custom Auto Radiator out of NJ build my copper/brass '32 radiator a few years ago, and am very satisfied with the quality and performance. I think they are still in business even though they do not advertise like they used to.

06-16-2011, 05:10 PM	#14
ken1939 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 271	Re: Which radiator to buy for my 1932 ? ? ? I've had a custom auto rad in my 39 chevy for like 25 years. Cant say about them now though. My only complaint with Walker is getting a dummy fill neck. Its like I have three heads or something when I ask about it. I dont want to ruin a perfectly nice rad shell with a "contraption" to bolt the rad cap to.