If you buy a new radiator

Posted by Joe on July 13, 1998 at 09:29:41

In Reply to: Maybe, that is the answer.
posted by Bob Johnson on July 13, 1998 at 08:56:23

However the easy way is to just buy a new radiator.
: Bob

Curt
If you buy a new radiator, buy the best one you can.The 28-29's are slightly "under radiator'ed" even in the like new, pristine original version. (Hence the change in 1930 to a slightly larger radiator.)
I have read on this board "horror stories" of those who bought "replacement" radiators from "name" parts houses who later regretted their not selecting a more substantial radiator.
Even some other "less reputable" parts sources had their poor performers as well.J.C. Whitney for years sold a replacement radiator (3 rows) which today is a bane of Model A restorers.
I can't give you any specific advice as to which of the today's aftermarket producers makes the "best" radiator, but I suppose that this follows in the old rule of thumb, *you get what you pay for*.
I would study out both original radiators whose properties have been identified (i.e. fins per inch, tube form, numbers and rows of tubes) and new radiators to try to get one that is close."The Model A Ford as Henry Built" it is a good source for radiator information.I believe the Judging Standards may have some information on this as well as the "How To Restore Your Model A series", I think in Book 5. (General Specifications)
Hope this helps,
Best regards,
Joe

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