Radiator recore

[discopete]

After fitting a new water pump to the 80 and eliminating all the leaks from various hoses etc the next weak point has been revealed. I would like to replace the core with something similar to the original that’s in it and avoid a modern looking core if possible. It appears to be possible in the UK from various historic specialist but don’t think I could stomach the costs involved. Any suggestions for a local alternative?

Peter

[5380]

After fitting a new water pump to the 80 and eliminating all the leaks from various hoses etc the next weak point has been revealed. I would like to replace the core with something similar to the original that’s in it and avoid a modern looking core if possible. It appears to be possible in the UK from various historic specialist but don’t think I could stomach the costs involved. Any suggestions for a local alternative?

Peter

Peter,

Do you have an older style radiator repairer in a nearby town? Check out some of the vintage car club people, they often know of someone.The newer (younger staffed) places don't seem to have much interest in recoring brass radiators. Have you rung around? I believe that a mob in NZ does older style cores. I have seen adverts in the NZ Beaded Edge Magazine Is yours a CKD 1951? I have seen both slatted and honeycomb cores fitted to CKD 80's. What's yours? My '53 has a slatted core, but my son's '54 built 107 has a honeycomb core. I think CKD's got whatever Serck Radiators had on hand at the time! Later Aussie CKD's had locally made radiators, but I am not sure when that practice started. Good seconhand radiators still turn up at clearing sales.
Good luck! 5380

[Tins]

There are a couple of 'classic' rad mobs in Melb if that's local enough.

[discopete]

Mine is a 1616 model and has the cellular film or v- cell as shown in link which is an Australian manufacturer. I haven’t had time to find out if they are in production yet but it is on to-do list. Looks promising. I will also chase up any old school repairers first, the mainland included, to see if repairable. The things you do when you’re a rivet counter!

Peter

Fueltank & Radiator Service - VEECELL: New Cellular Cores. Coming Soon! (https://ftrs.com.au/veecell/)

[Tins]

Not recommendations, but maybe worth a phone call..

Reg's Radiator Repairs | Radiator repairs specialist with 40+ years experience in water pump repairs, car heater repair, classic car radiator repair, car water pump repair - we repair fuel tank leaks for cars, trucks, classic cars, hot rods, and more (https://www.regsradiators.com.au/)

Vintage Car Radiators, Vintage Car Radiators Melbourne, Vintage Car Radiators Sydney, Classic Car Radiators, Classic Car Radiators Melbourne – Vintage Car Radiators, Vintage Car Radiators Melbourne, Vintage Car Radiators Sydney, Classic Car Radiators, Classic Car Radiators Melbourne (http://vintagecarradiators.com.au/)

[discopete]

Not recommendations, but maybe worth a phone call..

Reg's Radiator Repairs | Radiator repairs specialist with 40+ years experience in water pump repairs, car heater repair, classic car radiator repair, car water pump repair - we repair fuel tank leaks for cars, trucks, classic cars, hot rods, and more (https://www.regsradiators.com.au/)

Vintage Car Radiators, Vintage Car Radiators Melbourne, Vintage Car Radiators Sydney, Classic Car Radiators, Classic Car Radiators Melbourne – Vintage Car Radiators, Vintage Car Radiators Melbourne, Vintage Car Radiators Sydney, Classic Car Radiators, Classic Car Radiators Melbourne (http://vintagecarradiators.com.au/)

Looks very promising! I shall explore all options.

Cheers

[Mustlust]

Looks very promising! I shall explore all options.

Cheers

How’d you go with the radiator fix? I have two, an 80” and a S1, both in needed of repair.

[discopete]

How’d you go with the radiator fix? I have two, an 80” and a S1, both in needed of repair.

I ended up taking the practical option of a modern core that a local repair shop sourced. Cost all up $800. The only way to get original looking core was from UK. Decided it was easier to convince my rivet counter personality to make a compromise. Everything else will be original.

Cheers, Peter

[Mustlust]

The local ‘go to’ radiator fellow closed shop the day before I knocked on his front door…..z can you believe it?!?!
The other, alternative, shop is known to be more interested in new vehicles. He has quoted $1200 for a re-core.
I’ll keep looking for an old rad that still holds a bit of pressure until the lotto balls fall in the desired order.

[gromit]

The local ‘go to’ radiator fellow closed shop the day before I knocked on his front door…..z can you believe it?!?!
The other, alternative, shop is known to be more interested in new vehicles. He has quoted $1200 for a re-core.
I’ll keep looking for an old rad that still holds a bit of pressure until the lotto balls fall in the desired order.

Dandy Radiators re-cored my Series II radiator a few years ago.
Their 'brass guy' retired but I think they will still do them, I have one I need soldered up (someone had it re-cored but it leaked !).

I'll swing by when I get a chance.



Colin

[TonyC]

Hi Mudlust,
I've just noticed your location.

Tom at Wangaratta Radiators recored my 300Tdi radiator, and removed the end tanks and rodded another.

I don't know what cores he can get but he's very approachable.

I've got to talk to him about my Subaru radiator, I'll ask.

Tony

[discopete]

I found the receipt for the work performed on mine. It states it's a "made to order core from ADRAD, no part number". I too had difficulty finding someone to do the work. My go to place had shut down. A rover colleagues recommended shop had ceased trading. Luckily one old school guy still going. Sign of the times!

Peter

[Mustlust]

Thanks Tony, on my next trip to Wang I’ll stop in and see Tom

[NobbyTD5]

My 1952 S1 80" radiator has a weep - about 2/3rds down
not too serious but needs attention.
looking at getting it repaired ideally in Adelaide
but could get it to Melbourne after the Silly Season

any recommendations or repairers appreciated

Thanks

Nobby!

[LR1953]

My '53 Original radiator (going by manufacturer's plate sweated onto top tank) doesn't leak but I thought it needed rodding. However testing the flow seemed satisfactory. Replaced the bellows-type thermostat with a 300 TDi item (Tridon 85 C opening) and never looked back.
Cheers Rob

[whitehillbilly64]

At the advice of my Local repairer a 'modern' core was added to my 53 Radiator.
'Easier to repair, if you ever need to'
Old upper and lower tanks were removed and acid dipped to clean and new core soldered in.
Cost me $700. Cost of solder has gone through the roof.

whitehillbilly