Which radiator?

R

rlh37ford

Senior Member
Today’s new replacement 30-31 radiators include a “heavy duty” 10 fin to the in. unit and also a reproduction of the original 6 fin with dimples. I’m restoring a late ’30 using the official judging standards to produce a car that will look authentic with casual observation. BUT, I have now intentions of creating a FP car, entering judging, or trailering. This is to be an authentic looking fun car to enjoy driving. These two radiators are only about $50 difference in price and so cost is not a question. What can you experienced “driver” guys tell me about the cooling adequacy of the 6 fin, dimpled reproduction by Brassworks? I’ll be running a 5.5 HC Snyder head & std. 3.78 gears, mostly in the hills of PA.; but we have flat terrain too. I’m leaning toward this radiator for the fully authentic appearance and would like to feel that I’ll have adequate cooling and no overheating. Any and all experiences will be appreciated. Thanks, Dick
 
Fun car, use anything you want to buy. Show car for 30-31 you only have restoration of original or brassworks as choices.

As for cooling did you know that running with a HC head actually runs cooler for the same driving conditions as a standard head?

This a properly restored and rebuilt engine with proper coolant a stock radiator will be fine.

Except for fellow Model A'ers no one will notice dimpled fins or missing dimples.
 
I just got my Berg radiator yesterday. Looking forward to installing it this weekend.
 
Comments received so far are helpful & thought provoking. Would still like experienced-based input from you guys who have been using the Brassworks 6 fin/dimple radiator, with good or bad operating results. Thanks again to all. ~Dick
 
A few years ago I was in the same situation as you. 6 fins or 10. My parts man said 10 fins per inch actually impede air flow through the core, so I got the 6 fin version. Cools fine on hot days. If 6 fins worked back in the day, it will work now also. mike
 
CarlG said:
According to some here on the FordBarn, the best, most accurate Model A radiator. Then again there are some that would differ with that statement. YMMV.

Check out their website:
www.BergsRadiator.com
Click to expand...

Not all years are show radiators. They are a "mom and pop" shop giving personal service to the hobby.

Except for a complaint on the finish on an inlet of a "driver" radiator there have been no complaints heard about Bergs that I can recall. Can't say that about the other big guy.

Brassworks is a shop that employs 10 15 people so I guess it too could be considered a mom and pop shop as well.
 
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For a fine point car, you need to find a original radiator. If you need a replacement then go with Bergs 6 fin per inch, you will like it.

Mike
 
I'm very happy with the performance of my Bergs radiator and thermostat set up. Materials and craftsmanship are top notch.
Great folks to deal with too..........Pete
 

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I took mine to a local radiator shop & had it recorded . 3 row . 4 yrs with no trouble .
 
Mike V. Florida said:
Not all years are show radiators. They are a "mom and pop" shop giving personal service to the hobby.

Except for a complaint on the finish on an inlet of a "driver" radiator there have been no complaints heard about Bergs that I can recall. Can't say that about the other big guy.
Click to expand...

What complaints have emerged on the other big guy's radiators?
 
Mike said:
For a fine point car, you need to find a original radiator. If you need a replacement then go with Bergs 6 fin per inch, you will like it.

Mike
Click to expand...


I don't see a 6 fin per inch 30-31 radiator even discussed on the Berg web site. Also, in what ways are the Berg units superior to the Brassworks, if they are.
 
rlh37ford said:
What complaints have emerged on the other big guy's radiators?
Click to expand...

On the 28-29 radiators there have been reports of the tip of the fan blades hitting the upper end of the upper hose. Thats just one complaint, I'm sure that others can report more.
 
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I have the Berg's heavy duty all-new 10 fins per inch and I am happy with the build quality and performance. It was pricey at over $800 and I installed it last year on my 1931.
 
I also like my bergs even though i only got to drive it around the block. :eek:
Still need to get the body on... Dang body shops
 
Re. Which radiator?

Looks like some fellows prefer the Berg 10 fin radiator. I assume those who made comments in response to my original question regarding experience with the Brassworks 6 fin (w/dimples) radiator are driving/enjoying Berg 10 fin radiators & not having their As judged. The comments on the Berg radiators are helpful. Before making my decision, I would like to see some experience-based (not rumors or “I’ve heard someone say”) comments from guys who have also installed & have used the Brassworks 10 fin & the 6 fin (w/dimples) radiators – the good, the bad, & the ugly experiences. Form, fit and function info would be very helpful. And no, I am NOT locked into a Brassworks unit. Thanks again, Dick.
 
I have Brassworks 10fin radiators in both my 29RPU and my 30 Cabriolet. The only problem I had was they ran too cold. I added thermostats to both and I run at 160 all the time. I have had them for 6-10 years. No problems. Hope this helps.

PS: I like the idea of extra cooling available if needed. I live in So Cal.

Dick
 
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