Early Black Radiator Mounting

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: Early Black Radiator Mounting
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis-SE Georgia on Monday, November 18, 2013 - 07:51 am:

We just got a new radiator for Karen's '18 Touring from Berg's. The old radiator (Flat tube aftermarket) and shell had small mounting holes for only a 3/8 bolt to go through. The new radiator had the large holes for the thimbles. Lang's and Snyder's both show mounting hardware kits for '17 thru '25 or '27. However, the MTFCA Engine book shows the mounting hardware with only one spring and no thimbles for '17-'19, which is the way the old radiator was mounted.

I suppose I could have asked Berg's if he offered a small hole version, swapped out the radiator and reused the existing hardware, but I just modified the shell instead. I had to spend $45 on a step drill to drill the shell holes out to 7/8" to accept the thimbles. It's not original, but will probably offer a more cushy ride for the radiator. The old one was cooling, but continued to develop leaks due to cracking and such. It's been repaired twice. Second time, the guy told me not to bring it back.:-)

I am curious why the suppliers don't offer '17-'19 radiators and parts.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Seth from NC on Monday, November 18, 2013 - 09:09 am:

Hey Hal - what I've discovered so far is that any time the suppliers don't carry something it's for one of two reasons: either there just isn't any demand for it at all (less than 2-3 people per year) or the guy who was supplying them with the parts has died or quit fooling with it.

I've been wanting a big brass grease cup with zerk fitting for my u-joint for several months - except the guy who was doing those died. Langs bought the tooling and is getting it set up and said they should have some for me in December.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Larry Smith on Monday, November 18, 2013 - 10:47 am:

Why not see if you can find a washer to insert into the big hole that has a 3/8 hole in it. You may have to turn the o.d. down to fit in the hole. Then get someone to tack weld the washers into the flange. Problem solved.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis-SE Georgia on Monday, November 18, 2013 - 01:07 pm:

I considered that, Larry, but figured with my luck, I would generate enough heat to melt the solder on a new $800 radiator. I just modified the shell instead. I hated to do it, but it was not in the best of shape already. Someone had already welded and rivetted the apron to the shell, and it had some cracks in it I had to weld up, and a couple of rust throughs. If I ever want to go back, I can probably find a better shell easier than fixing the old one.

I do believe the four spring mounting system will be easier on the new radiator than the old two spring design.

Now, to get to the Model A radiator....It has developed a crack somewhere and is blowing coolant through the louvers on the passenger side. Gotta get it off and see if I can repair it or else take it to a shop.


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