After putting it off for years the time has come when I'm going to purchase a new radiator for my '14. I am interested in the durability of the radiators now available. I recall back in the 60s their was a problem with some of the new radiators becoming damaged and developing leaks when driven on rough roads. Any recommendations based on personal experience as to the flat core or the round core when it comes to durability? Also does anyone happen to know if anyone other than Brassworks is currently making radiators or are they the supplier for all the parts houses? THANKS
Harry,
Though not a Model T but similar, when I bought the radiator for my Model N, I choose the round tube style. The round tube seems to make a more rigid core with less side-to-side flex. I rode in an N with a flat tube core and saw it vibrate from side-to-side in harmony with the engine's vibrations. I made up my mind right then that I didn't want my radiator doing that. I would make the same choice for a T radiator.
Just bought a Brassworks flat tube for my 15 touring. For the first time I can enjoy a ride without worrying about overheating. Expensive ... but worth it.
Flat tubes are reputed to cool slightly better than round tubes - whether there is any practical difference .. I dunno.
I called around before ordering mine - no one else is currently making brass radiators. I tried to take Berg's into a one off, he was polite but not interested.
Brassworks quality seems good so far.
BTW check the distance between the radiator mounting holes on your chassis. My radiator wouldn't fit originally and I was ready to blame Brassworks ,,, but the front crossmember on the frame had spread, widening the mounting bolts by about 1/4". Answer to that problem is posted elsewhere on the forum and involves a hydraulic jack and some chain.
Good luck
If you have or can find an original radiator that has a good tank but a bad core, you can get it recored and save a few bills. I did that with mine because of the money, but also because I like the looks of the original better than the new ones. My tank isn't perfect, but I think it's pretty good for 98 years.
I have 3 Brassworks radiators and they are OK but not great in my opinion. They cool well but every one of them has separated at the bottom where the brass piece goes across the lower tank. I have a brass radiator that Berg did for me a couple of years ago and think it is superior but he apparently is no longer making them. Unfortunately, Brassworks seem to be the only game in town these days and that usually means the price will go up and the quality will go down.
Who did the recore Steve? Name and town, name and town, name and town..........
I have a Brassworks radiator for my 13 hack. I had the radiator returned because the neck solder broke loose and was fearful to take it to a radiator shop and possibly have solder spread over the brass. It was fine for the first day of a tour and the neck leaked again. A friend thought he could fix it and showed me one he had done. I gave it to him and he found that two of the rivets were not even peened. His fix was good for several trips and again it leaked. He was perplexed and I offered a theory. I think the winged motor meter was too heavy and the vibration was causing the leak. I think the brass material is too thin and not as strong as the original. I kept the wings off and now have had no problem. Guess they don't make um like they used to!!! If I had a choice, I would stay as for away from Brassworks as I could.
Sorry that someone didn't mention the motometer issue sooner. The early radiators had the neck only soldered on and the later ones had rivets added. I am talking about Ford original. Moto meters are a heavy item and on a bumpy road they are going to hammer away at the water neck. The joint will fail.
No motometer - one less thing to worry about.
My recore was by:
TOM’S RADIATOR SERVICE
2341 184th Road
Sabetha
KS 66534
(785) 284-2080
tomnolte@sbcglobal.net
I believe Tom did the radiator for Rob's K. The cost for my recore was about $300 less than a new Brassworks radiator.