is this radiator original?

sethkestenbaum

sethkestenbaum

Well-known member
I am debating on what to do with my cooling issues. I know my radiator is far from optimal and I should recore or replace it. I was hoping someone on fordbarn could help me figure out:

1) is my radiator original?
2) if it is not original, who made it?

I've attached two images.
Thanks
 

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Tend to agree. Colloquially known as a "funnel top" it's use was during 1928 and possibly into 1929. I would be interested to know when the transition to "straight tubes" was made.

Consequent to the change to the straight tube was when Ford starting having trouble with the overflow tube (and the remedy of a baffle and bending the tube.)

Joe K
 
Most or all of the 28s top of the tank were basically flat with a few ribs, before or into 29 the top of the tanks had a recess about an inch in from the back with ribs to the front.
 
Here is an original in a Sept. '28 coupe.
 

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Not doubting (as the radiator looks right) but interesting that the Sept 28 coupe has a later long generator.

Joe K

Edit: Oh do get some spark plugs into those holes. The mice LOOOVE cylinders. Don't ask me how I know.
 
Joe K said:
Not doubting (as the radiator looks right) but interesting that the Sept 28 coupe has a later long generator.

Joe K
Click to expand...

30 headlights and B carb too!:eek:
That coupe is WELL used and sat for over 50 years.
It will start and run, too.
 
To be honest, I would look for a used 28-9 radiator and have it re-cored and save my original.
Perhaps you can clean yours out using vinegar.

Tom beat me! :p
 
Last year I had Natick Radiator in Massachusetts acid wash (twice) and backflush the radiator. It helped a lot, but some of the tubes were still clogged (we looked using a mini-video camera). I've done a run with vinegar once since, but not recently.
 
Take it to a qualified radiator shop for them to tell. First ask if they have worked on one! Just got back today with my 28 rad find and everything passed
 

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Talk to your shop about rodding. Tubes can be damaged with this process. Make them aware of the fragility of these old radiators, even if they say they work on them all the time. VOE.
 
If the tubes are seamed and the fins are folded over, in other words, a double thickness, then it has an original core. If the fins are in good shape, I would definately recommend trying to use it. The upper and lower tanks can be removed from the core and it can then be rodded out. You can actually remove the tanks and side straps yourself with a butane torch. Once rodded out, you can check for leaks in the tubes and sleave them if necessary. Your trusted radiator shop should be able to put it back together and solder everything the way it came apart. If the core is in bad shape and looks bad, you can then get it recored from a good radiator shop, using the original tanks and side straps. Good luck. It's a lot of work but well worth it as they look great on the car.
 
sethkestenbaum said:
I am debating on what to do with my cooling issues. I know my radiator is far from optimal and I should recore or replace it. I was hoping someone on fordbarn could help me figure out:

1) is my radiator original?
2) if it is not original, who made it?

I've attached two images.
Thanks
Click to expand...

To figure out just who made the Non-Model A Radiators would be a challenge on its own.

However there were four makers of the original Model A Radiator: Ford, Long, McCord, and Flintlock. These are refered to in the standards and various articles in Model A News and The Restorer.

Pluck
 
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