New radiator for '29 Roadster.

JimG1127

JimG1127

Member
I need a new radiator for my '29 Roadster.
I want to be able to drive the car at least 50 miles to car shows. Do i need to get a pressurized radiator? If i do I assume I would also have to get a leakless water pump?
Any recommendations?
 
Remember how frustrating a boil over can be, 'specially on warm/hot summer days.
I have 1 Berg and 1 Brassworks in my 2 cars. No problem with either one. Speeds between a steady 35 and 50 mph. 50-100 mile trips. Before putting them on the cars I made sure that the engines were clean with good water flow. So, my advice is to see which company can ship you a radiator when you order it. I think you'll be satisfied with each one. Stay away from saving $100 or so by buying an off shore made product. Remember what your Dad always said: ...................................................................pay for.
 
Thanks. Brassworks are pretty pricey and reviews vary from glowing to terrible.
I will definitely buy from one of the major Model A parts suppliers.
 
Save up and spend your money on a quality three-row or four-row radiator. Do NOT buy one of those aluminum radiators offered on the Internet! The look and especially the fit are terrible. A local guy tried to save some money and bought one for his 1930 sedan and has been very disappointed. The original radiator shell doesn't fit well and there is no way to put the cap on the filler neck without swinging the bottom of the radiator shell forward = impossible to install the bottom two shell mounting bolts. The upper neck is at the wrong angle so that the upper radiator hose can only be installed at a cattywompas angle. 'Looks really odd, as if the hose has swallowed a big toad that is stuck in its "throat". The radiator stay rod bracket broke off when the nuts were tightened. The one time he was able to take the car for a test drive, the engine admittedly did not overheat. But the silver color with weird-looking fins is a definite turn-off. Perhaps for a speedster or a cutdown Model A doodlebug the aluminum radiator will work. But not in a Model A with the radiator shell.
Buy a quality radiator just ONCE and your engine over-heating and fit problems will go away. In this life, you usually get what you pay for. Take the cheap route and you can pretty well predict how that will turn out. Ask the local Model A owner about that, who is now saving up to buy a quality radiator. Anyone wanna buy a slightly used aluminum radiator? I think the guy will sell it cheap! :)
Marshall
 
JimG1127@Gmail.com said:
Thanks. Brassworks are pretty pricey and reviews vary from glowing to terrible.
I will definitely buy from one of the major Model A parts suppliers.
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Put me on the glowing list. and FWIW I've never heard of anyone having an issue with Brassworks. When I ordered the 4 row radiator for the 8ba in my '39 p/u, Lee at Brassworks worked with me to make sure the wider width 4 row would fit in my application since it didn't have the stock flathead. I picked it up in person and his manufacturing operation is top notch.
 
As stated above. Buy a quality USA made radiator and another potential problem will be solved.

Enjoy.
 
There is no need for a pressurized radiator. The radiating surface of the rad is very sufficient to handle even hot weather and long tours. Particularly if you go with a new radiator that is not all clogged up. Even then a leakless water pump may be benneficial. (My opinion).
 
FYI, just in case it has been missed, Gerry Bergbower closed his radiator manufacturing last February. I was lucky to get one of his last 30/31's. Cost of materials and supply issues put him out of business. Last I knew he has the business up for sale. Leaves Brassworks as the only reliable manufacturer. My take is that a good radiator (pressurized or otherwise) is the main key to to cool running reliable Model A. Rick
 
verdirick said:
FYI, just in case it has been missed, Gerry Bergbower closed his radiator manufacturing last February. I was lucky to get one of his last 30/31's. Cost of materials and supply issues put him out of business. Last I knew he has the business up for sale. Leaves Brassworks as the only reliable manufacturer. My take is that a good radiator (pressurized or otherwise) is the main key to to cool running reliable Model A. Rick
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I'm a Brassworks fan but an other good quality option is Johnson's Radiator. They bought Walker Radiator when it closed, just not the Walker name.



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WHN said:
As stated above. Buy a quality USA made radiator and another potential problem will be solved.

Enjoy.
Click to expand...

I have a USA made Brassworks radiator in one of my cars. I regret the day I bought it. It's nothing but poorly made crap. Every country has its good and bad quality products. Buying USA made is NO guarantee you will get good quality.
 
Thanks for all of the tips. Its going to be a new quality radiator. It will be #1 on my list for Santa. Lol!
Possibly a new leakless water pump too. Although right now it looks like no one has them in stock.
 
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