Thread: Radiator recore

Originally Posted by 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

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

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

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!

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

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Originally Posted by 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

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

Looks very promising! I shall explore all options.

Cheers

Originally Posted by discopete

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.

Originally Posted by Mustlust

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

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.