Radiator Recommendation

[tribouboys]

Looking to replace the radiator on my 1930 model a Ford and wondering which one I should buy. I do not have a show car just a good solid driver.
Brassworks at 695.00. Or the US made 530.00 option
Thanks for the opinion

[30 Closed Cab PU]

If showing for fine point judging, Brassworks make theirs per Ford prints. Some have had Past issues with fit, necks being on wrong angle, and necks not being correct diameter, bracket mounting holes not lining up, (undersize for correct hoses). Read their website completely, follow all info on their site, measure carefully, etc. and give them a call. For best chances of everything being correct you may want to send your radiator to them in so they get things matched up correctly.


I prefer Bergs, drop in replacement, excellent cooling, high quality, Nice looking but not made exactly per Ford Prints. No known issues/complaints.


If your cooling system is in good shape, there are other vendors that will work. The key is to insure your Block/Head are clean of Rust/Scale/Oil-grease.


Brassworks is the only recommended 2 row tube core. Issues with all other 2 row tube cores with overheating. A good 3 or 4 row Core is recommended.

[katy]

I prefer Bergs, drop in replacement, excellent cooling, high quality, Nice looking but not made exactly per Ford Prints. No known issues/complaints.

I've used Berg's, no complaints.

[jwilliams81]

I drove from Ohio to pick up my Berg's last year. I still love it.

[F.M.]

If you want it as Factory, go with Bergs 100%.. But I would send him you original upper & lower tanks along with the side straps.. Just a Driver, Still Bergs..

[Davew]

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I have a Bergs. Great radiator..

[Brian in Wheeling]

Bergs for me. Six years and still perfect.

Brian W.

[whirnot]

I just had my local shop recore it with a three row core. No freight and a local person to deal with if something is wrong. $650.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by whirnot

I just had my local shop recore it with a three row core. No freight and a local person to deal with if something is wrong. $650.

Agreed, a good alternative if you have a shop close that does quality work. I went with a Bergs, could not find a shop within a decent driving distance, paying for gas or shipping costs eats into into any savings you might make.

[DHZIEMAN]

Originally Posted by tribouboys

Looking to replace the radiator on my 1930 model a Ford and wondering which one I should buy. I do not have a show car just a good solid driver.
Brassworks at 695.00. Or the US made 530.00 option
Thanks for the opinion

I bought one of the $530.00 radiators off ebay...
$530.00 Plus

$35.00 Standard Shipping

Seller is located in
Crystal Lake, Illinois, United States

Perfect fit for my 1930 Model A and a world of difference from the faulty one removed! That was 2 years ago and still going well.

[CarlG]

Bergs

[larrys40]

Bergs is not only a great cooling radiator but it fits perfectly. Gery is 2nd to none in my opinion. It might cost a little more but you will be more than pleased.
Larry Shepard

[MVal]

I always prefer a radiator with 10 fins/inch and no less. You won't regret it.

[rocket1]

I agree with (WHIRNOT) had my radiator recored approx.$500.00,cash no tax no shipping,any problem just a 10 min. ride.

[katy]

Originally Posted by whirnot

I just had my local shop recore it with a three row core. No freight and a local person to deal with if something is wrong. $650.

I agree with (WHIRNOT) had my radiator recored approx.$500.00,cash no tax no shipping,any problem just a 10 min. ride.

That's all fine and good, IF you can find a shop to do it. Around here none of the shops do much in the way of radiator repair any more, all they want to do is sell you a new one and then R&R it.

[Paul Bjarnason]

I bought a 3-row aluminum radiator from China for $350. They painted it black for me at no extra charge. I have not yet run the car, but it looks to be a perfect fit.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Not sure I am correct, seem to remember something about possibly needing to run a sacrificial anode/cathode(?) when using an aluminum radiator. Others can correct me, or do a search here on the Barn.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by katy

That's all fine and good, IF you can find a shop to do it. Around here none of the shops do much in the way of radiator repair any more, all they want to do is sell you a new one and then R&R it.

Did my own. got the core from Robert radiator in Miami and soldered in the tanks myself. I went to a radiator shop to have it tested and no problems.

[old31]

Bergs for me, a great drop in the radiator that cools.

[ddweave]

I put in a Bergs radiator about 3 years ago. No more leaks or over heating. Also, I rarely need to add any coolant.