bad news

[healeyboz]

Here is the toasted radiator after the fan came apart. THe only thing that I can see is that the fan might have caught a braided breather line and came apart. Dunno, it could have hit the line during the break up as well. The line is now way out of the way and tied back to mack sure this is never the problem. A new fan is on order, but I have to see about having the radiator fixed. When the fan broke apart it got into the radiator; puncturing a few of the tubes. I will have to take it in a see if it can be fixed and for how much.

Out of curiosity, what are good sources to get a new radiator for the bugeye? If the price is right, I might go with a new "fancy" looking one..

 

[GB1]

Sorry to hear my friend, I would suggest a recore.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Are you getting a healthy tax refund? If so, contact these guys and they can make you a real pretty aluminum one. They already have the specs, and it bolt into the stock location.

https://www.wizardcooling.com/

 

[tony barnhill]

I wouldn't consider that radiator 'toasted' until I took it to a radiator repair shop...you'll be surprised what they can do!

 

[Trevor Jessie]

BTW, they do not have it listed on their site, but I know they have made them.

 

[jlaird]

Agree with Tony, that radiator can be fixed easly.

 

[healeyboz]

I'll take it in a check if they can fix it for sure. Sure would like to have one of those pretty alum. ones though. But, I am in that boy catagory as well, Jack. :wink:

 

[healeyboz]

Anyone know where this radiator is from?
https://www.spritespot.com/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=Melchester-Racing&id=IMG_0024

 

[John Moore]

I wouldn't consider that radiator 'toasted' until I took it to a radiator repair shop...you'll be surprised what they can do!

X2!

 

[tony barnhill]

There's an aluminum one off an old turbo VW that fits nicely, if you can find it!

But, you can get yours repaired so you'll never notice anything.

 

[aeronca65t]

I helped install a new, replacement rad that was bought from one of the usual sources. It was NOT made in the UK (or the US) and looked poorly made to my eye.

When my rad was damaged, I had it recored for about the same price as one of those replacement units.

I'd agree...your's looks like it can be fixed and you're probably better off if you can do that.

 

[Jer]

yep local shop should be able to help you out - I have mine at a local shop right now, the guy is just trying to get the best price on a core for me... price of metal is a bit silly right now, plus I'm in no rush... lots of snow on the ground still.

 

[tony barnhill]

I don't believe that radiator needs recoring!

 

[jlaird]

Noop agree, bet those holes can be soddered and fins straightend out for cheep.

 

[healeyboz]

I agree as well.

We will see. I will have to price the two. I really like the new alum rads. Maybe have mine fixed and sell to help out the cost??? Dunno. Wish I had a few more sources to see what prices are.

 

[Hap Waldrop]

There's an aluminum one off an old turbo VW that fits nicely, if you can find it!

But, you can get yours repaired so you'll never notice anything.

Nope not a VW radiator, they are all crossflow with side tanks, look some sort of custom, doesn't even look like a Ron Spridget unit to me. Here's a picture of one of the popular VW radiators used in Spridgets, this one is a VW Rabbit non/ac late 70s/early 80s, the other popular one is the Scirroco, it's wider and has a inboard filler neck, either VW unit mean getting rid of all the existing Spridget radiator shrouding, but they are great radiators, in the Valeo brand (plastic side tanks, aluminum core), hard to find these days, this radiator only weights 5 pounds.

 

[healeyboz]

Hey Hap,

If you were to buy an alum radiator that looked GOOD, were would you buy? Do you have any sources?

 

[bugimike]

I run a VW unit from a '77 Scirocco in my BE! As Hap says install requires some mods, but it works very well!! (Of course, I saved the parts and can always retrofit back to original!).

 

[mccalebr]

Here's the Ron Davis unit I'm installing in my Spridget Project ('62 Sprite). It's not the cheapest alternative and will require an expansion tank (I'm using the round Moroso aluminum one) but it fits well, requiring only a couple brackets be made to attach it to the top of the existing uprights and a clip to hold the bottom tight.

Ray

 

[regularman]

Noop agree, bet those holes can be soddered and fins straightend out for cheep.

Yeah, need to hook a hose between the two hose fittings and pressurize it and see where the leak is. If its one of the tubes on the front, you can clean it up and fix it with a propane torch and solder.