New radiator recommendations

M

mcgarrett

Well-known member
I was looking at new radiators on Snyder's website and saw they had 2 radiators for '30-'31 models; one is a Brassworks authentic reproduction for $950 and another one priced at $800 that doesn't have the authentic embossing in the top tank. They both are described as "heavy duty" radiators, so I'm pondering which one will give the best service for the money - not going into a show car; will be installed in a good driver-class car.

Anyone here on the Barn care to give their opinion on which one I should go with and why??

Appreciate the feedback! :)
 
The $800 one has 8 fins per inch and 95 tubes. The $950 one has 10 fins per inch but only 57 tubes. I was fortunate to get a Bert's radiator before he quit making them.

If it was me, I would buy the $800 one and save the packing. If after inspection you don't like it, send it back. Things to check are fit, the tabs for the wires at the bottom, the baffle, the angle and size of the intake and exit, fitting of the two rods at the top, etc. Snyders has been responsive to questions from me. You could call them and ask about the two choices.
 
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I recently installed a new Brassworks radiator in my car ($950) and I am well pleased with it. I drove up Fort Mountain (8 miles all uphill) in 90 degree weather and at the top the temperature was 162 degrees. I had been running 200 -210 degrees on level or slight incline roads. Spend the extra $$$ and don't look back...:)


TOB
 
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Thanks guys for the honest replies. I live in Texas, and it's HOT here. I'm installing a new engine and want the best, most efficient cooling I can find to handle our extreme temps. I think I'll get Snyder's on the phone and pitch the question to them too!
 
Berts Model A offers recored original radiators… 4 rows & 11 fins/inch. $1000. Well worth it.
 
I had Bert's recore my original radiator. It cools great, but the connections to the radiator shell don't quite fit. It was the only choice I had to reuse the original tanks. Berg's used to be the go to, but they shut their business a few years ago. Brassworks has a good reputation, too.
 
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I just installed the $800.00 radiator from Snyders. Fit was good. Haven't had a chance to drive it much but when I did it worked well.
 
Well, I ended up biting the bullet and buying the $950 Brassworks unit from Snyder's. Just installed it today, and got it up to temperature in the shop. Will take it out for a test run tomorrow in stop-and -go traffic, idling, and steady road speed. Should be a good test for it...typical Texas summer weather here near 100*.
 
mcgarrett said:
Well, I ended up biting the bullet and buying the $950 Brassworks unit from Snyder's. Just installed it today, and got it up to temperature in the shop. Will take it out for a test run tomorrow in stop-and -go traffic, idling, and steady road speed. Should be a good test for it...typical Texas summer weather here near 100*.
Click to expand...

I hope it lasts longer than my Brassworks radiator did. I've had to have it repaired twice in the FEW years I have had it. That's a mistake I will NEVER make again.
Just my experience.
 
Synchro
I can certainly sympathize with you. I bought a new Brassworks for my '27 Model T seven or eight years ago and had to send it back to Brassworks for a repair a few short months after installing it - and of course, I had to pay the freight both ways which made an $800 radiator now cost $1,000. Needless to say, I was pretty unhappy with the failure so soon after my purchase. I didn't know who else to go to for a quality radiator for my Model A nowadays, and everyone said to go with Brassworks. We'll see how it goes. I was told by Snyder's it has a 1 year warranty. I have it installed in front of a brand new engine, so we're gonna put it through the Texas weather torture test...it was 102* here today. I'm gonna drive the heck out of it for the next 11 months and report back on how it holds up.
 
I have decided that if I ever need another radiator, I will have my original re cored. There are a handful of places that can do a decent job of that near me.
 
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