ebay radiators
- Thread starter harryc
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shew01
Well-known member
I put an aluminum radiator in my 1957 Fairlane, and it worked well. However, the shiny aluminum just looked weird. In retrospect, I wouldn’t have done it.
If you you decide to paint an aluminum radiator black, be aware that you need to use (usually expensive) radiator paint, probably around $20 for a spray can. The conventional Rustoleum (or similar brands) from Walmart will very likely cause poor heat transfer performance because those paints go on much too thick.
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If you you decide to paint an aluminum radiator black, be aware that you need to use (usually expensive) radiator paint, probably around $20 for a spray can. The conventional Rustoleum (or similar brands) from Walmart will very likely cause poor heat transfer performance because those paints go on much too thick.
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shew01
Well-known member
By the way, if you are looking at eBay radiators, fit may be more of a problem. The radiator Shell on a Model A can be a real pain if the radiator does fit correctly.
A new radiator from the Model A vendors can cost $600+. An alternative is to take your existing radiator to an “old school” radiator shop (which can be hard to find nowadays) and have the shop replace the core with a new one (and keep your existing top and bottom radiator tanks). The fit will probably be better than an eBay radiator.
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A new radiator from the Model A vendors can cost $600+. An alternative is to take your existing radiator to an “old school” radiator shop (which can be hard to find nowadays) and have the shop replace the core with a new one (and keep your existing top and bottom radiator tanks). The fit will probably be better than an eBay radiator.
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jack backer
BANNED
I’d give it a whirl.. the aftermarket aluminum ones seem to work well based on what I’ve heard from others. The price for authentic re pops are through the roof, if your building a driver give it a shot, if it works your dollars ahead.
Looks funny but would work I guess. I was thinking about one on a driver AA I’m currently working on but saw a photo of one in an AA and decided against it. I just had my original radiator recored in local shop. Picked it up today. Not cheap but less than a new one and no shipping costs with less wait.
eagle
Well-known member
Look this subject up with a search. Several people were well satisfied with them, some not so much. Seems some are made more correct than others, as far as fitment. Use the reviews to see how the buyers liked them. Price is right, and with a light dusting of some black radiator paint I think they'd look ok.
rich b
Well-known member
Maybe there are better ones; but most of the aluminum radiators I have seen in A shells miss the boat. Top and/or bottom tanks show and usually the core does not fill the sides and the braces show. And worst is they are all fin between tube construction, not at all what an A radiator should look like.
I have used them in other cars and Rustoleum barbecue grill paint worked for me and covered the brightness which also does not look right in old cars.
I have used them in other cars and Rustoleum barbecue grill paint worked for me and covered the brightness which also does not look right in old cars.
Dick M
Well-known member
A friend of mine bought an aluminum radiator off of Ebay for his 28 pickup. Not only did it look funny, there was no way it could ever mount properly. He sent it back. I know if you are on a budget you are trying to do your best. I have been there. My advice is to buy from a your radiator from a reputable supplier.
I purchased the 4 row radiator from Bert's. I climbed a mountain with a 6,000 ft. elevation and I was in 2nd over for the last 10 miles to the summit. The outside temperature was 94 degrees and my A never went over 180 degrees. It cost a bunch but it is worth every penny. I have had this radiator for 4 years and my car has never overheated.
I purchased the 4 row radiator from Bert's. I climbed a mountain with a 6,000 ft. elevation and I was in 2nd over for the last 10 miles to the summit. The outside temperature was 94 degrees and my A never went over 180 degrees. It cost a bunch but it is worth every penny. I have had this radiator for 4 years and my car has never overheated.
gdmn852
Well-known member
Hello, finding an “old school “ radiator shop are getting hard to find just about 6 months ago I took Model A radiator in for repair and they did a nice job,was thinking of getting a spare radiator gone through but waited too long, out of business now. I have seen the aluminum radiators on Model A s and don’t seem to fit the shells.
Hey, I resemble that remark.
I painted the stone guard mesh black to make it look more correct. It did look better but it made the radiator look dirty.
I am glad the OP asked the question, I have wondered the same thing.
shew01
Well-known member
