Is this radiator worth recoring?

[freak]

1923 coupe. Car is largely original and owner has no intention of restoring. Need a side support and new core. Round tube. Should we recore or replace the radiator?

 

[gz]

Definitely replace.

 

[J Franklin]

Hang it on a hook on the side of a shed and buy new. That rig will run nice and cool!

 

[freak]

Can you elaborate? i have to explain to the owner.

 

[J Franklin]

Can you elaborate? i have to explain to the owner.

If it isn't going to be used, fix it cosmetically and paint it. Otherwise, replace it. Repairing it to a good working radiator will cost a bunch also.

 

[redmodelt]

With all that solder on the inlet and outlet, there must be rot/holes/cracks along with needing the side brace. If you wanted see if the tanks are savable, might remove the solder and see what's under it. At this point heat is not going to hurt it as it would need to come apart if it was recored. If I was going to recore, I would look for better parts to start with. Unless you have one, you still would need to come up the side brace, that one is toast. The outlet is iron and it might be rotted out. The inlet is brass so who knows its condition.

 

[freak]

Are the side braces available new or will I have to scrounge for one?

 

[jimTN]

Get a mew Bergs flat tube radiator.

 

[CharlieB]

The guys are right. It's really shot. A re-core isn't an answer & will accomplish nothing aside from the fact that I think no rad shop will touch it.

 

[raprice]

You should buy a new radiator. You won't be sorry in the long run.
Rog

 

[A bones]

I just looked on Snyders site. They want $825. Seems like an easy decision. Ask them about the brace.

 

[redmodelt]

If you have a shop that can do it and the other parts are good to start with, the re-core cost should be less then new price. Not everyone has $825 plus shipping for a new one. If they do great, new would be the way to go.

 

[freak]

I took it to the shop and he was more than happy to re-core it. He was concerned about the steel brace that runs across the bottom and he could only get flat tube cores. So I'm going to recommend a new round tube core radiator to the owner.

 

[redmodelt]

For a driver you should go the the flat tube type anyway, they cool better. More fins and water tubes. The only reason to go with round tube is for show or points car. The brace across would be needed, it is part of the support.

 

[39portlander]

Can you elaborate? i have to explain to the owner.

Bergs radiator, I'm ordering a new one for the fordor next week. they probably have several in stock for your application ready to ship.

Go with the flat tube and that T will run cool a a cucumber

 

[nhusa]

I tried to deal with an old radiator for years. Multiple cleanings and even a water pump - nothing worked until I got a new radiator.
A new one is worth every penny, even if it is lot of pennies.

 

[rotorwrench]

The condition of the tanks and reinforcements it everything when considering a recore. The tanks are the most important parts. If the brass is in poor condition then it's history. It is not possible to patch brass sheet and have it come out looking like a good serviceable part. The steel parts being very corroded and pitted is also a nail in the coffin.

 

[freak]

The owner of the car is driving to Snyder's (this week yet I think) to pick up a new flat tube radiator. Thanks for the input everyone!!

 

[A bones]

Good, flat tube is best.

 

[McMimmcs]

For sure replace it. The owner shouldn’t even question your decision. It’s obviously a piece of trash.