radiator question

[ericr]

Ah, but you could run a car without a radiator shell, you can't run it without a radiator. So, which would you rather have it you could only afford one thing? Driving your car, or having a car with a perfect shell sitting in the garage because there's no radiator? Is there a better chance a professionally done radiator will fit in a perfectly done orginal shell-sure. But, that does not preclude that an aftermarket radiator won't fit in a repro shell.

Now, would you buy a repro radiator from a reasonable supplier with real contact numbers, or an NOS shell on Ebay if the price was the same?

all of the above is why I would send whatever shell I was using to Berg's or whomever before buying a new radiator of any type. and the '29 shell design is a little problematic anyway, with the tight fit between hood shelves, and the overhanging lower edge pressed against the felt pads. I've seen original '29 shells with fractures at that lower edge, and also, with hogged-out mounting holes.

 

[5window]

When he does his re-builds he uses an Original Shell on every one for fit tests on a jig.. I would NOT own a reproduction shell !!..

Ain't twisting nothin'

I just want to be perfectly clear on your point. Are you saying that if you needed a radiator and happened to have a car that wore a reproduction radiator shell, that you would not replace the radiator (and thus not drive the car) until you were able to obtain an original, Henry-made, shell to fit a new radiator into?

 

[5window]

all of the above is why I would send whatever shell I was using to Berg's or whomever before buying a new radiator of any type. and the '29 shell design is a little problematic anyway, with the tight fit between hood shelves, and the overhanging lower edge pressed against the felt pads. I've seen original '29 shells with fractures at that lower edge, and also, with hogged-out mounting holes.

I like this approach.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

Not everybody can afford to get an original shell. What if someone is fixing up their car a bit at a time, but wants to drive it while that's happening. Would you deny them that pleasure until they eventually had all the correct parts? Forget a radiator until you've got the right sheet metal? Seems kind of mean. And snooty. I'd say run and enjoy what you've got, fix it as you can. Not every A on the road has to be a 100 point car.

If it's not an original shell then just re-drill and holes that need it until you get to that point where you get the original shell. I can't see screwing up a radiator to fit in a poor shell, then what happens when you get the right shell, or why spend the money for a temporary radiator until you get a good shell?

 

[oldwoodsman]

I don't see a overflow tube.

 

[5window]

If it's not an original shell then just re-drill and holes that need it until you get to that point where you get the original shell. I can't see screwing up a radiator to fit in a poor shell, then what happens when you get the right shell, or why spend the money for a temporary radiator until you get a good shell?

I have no idea, but are there no aftermarket shells which duplicate the original?

 

[Fred]

If it's not an original shell then just re-drill and holes that need it until you get to that point where you get the original shell. I can't see screwing up a radiator to fit in a poor shell, then what happens when you get the right shell, or why spend the money for a temporary radiator until you get a good shell?

Mike you are wasting your time on this, its a no WIN situation !!

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

I bought my 29 Tudor in the early 90's and it came with a new repro shell, which does fit just fine. I don't know how many makers there are for the repro shells, but maybe the dies are getting worn out. I have seen some repro shaells with a "crisper" peak than others, and also a better fit to the radiator cap than some others.

 

[Mitch//pa]

i have heard the repo 28-29's are much better than 30-31 for fit.
no first hand experience on that

 

[ericr]

i have heard the repo 28-29's are much better than 30-31 for fit.
no first hand experience on that

mu experience has been that when you combine a repro shell with a non-original radiator, it can be very difficult to determine which is causing any misalignment, though I hasten to add I am no craftsman in these matters.