TR4/4A TR4A Radiator

[SBooth]

Just found out that the radiator is badly clogged; quite a suprise since the PO let it sit for 18 yrs !
I'll get a "new" radiator at some point, but would like to find something to stick in the car to get it on the road.
Any suggestions for an inexpensive upgrade ?
Thanks

 

[Tomster]

I replaced my rad and all hoses after a bit of hiatus (1978)
Was not that expensive and certainly worth while. The rad shop retained the upper, lower tanks and side frame and did a complete re core. Easy work for them to do as the access is fantastic compared to any new vehicles. They were quite enthusiastic to be a part of the resurrection

 

[Alan_Myers]

Hi,

I thing your least expensive option would probably be to take the one you have to any decent, local radiator shop to be cleaned and repaired. It's been a few years ago, but the last time I had one done it was about $100 total. Less than I expected and completed quickly (one day). That radiator wasn't in terrible shape, but had some pinhole leaks and certainly needed 35-40 years of crud cleaned out!

Any replacement I'd put in my car would be aluminum, to increase cooling effectiveness and reduce weight. I can't see putting in another brass radiator, especially since a new repro would cost more than an upgrade to aluminum. But, I'm personally more concerned about performance than originality (which might be just the opposite to other folks, I know).

Replacement aluminum radiators start around $250 and go up over $400-500. Some (many? all?) of the less expensive ones require some modification to work in a TR, which increases the cost, too.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[aerospike]

Hi SBooth,
I've wondered the same thing. I'd like to find a radiator out of a modern car that would work to replace mine. Seems like I remember someone talking about using a Ford Ranger radiator once but I may be way off. Good luck.

 

[Tomster]

Areospike See the two posts above. Not worth a search when you can get it done right.

 

[trfourtune]

if you want to adapt an aluminum radiator that is not a stock replacement,i found the model 342I from howeracing for a decent price. $220 US if i recall.that's what i plan to use.
rob

 

[Alan_Myers]

[ QUOTE ]
....I'd like to find a radiator out of a modern car that would work to replace mine. Seems like I remember someone talking about using a Ford Ranger radiator...

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi,

Not that I don't like a bargain, but...

A problem with many radiators in late model cars is that they often contain a lot of plastic parts and in some cases are actually glued and crimped together. Personally I feel a bit more secure with something that's been soldered, brazed or welded, especially with the radiator mounting methods used in TRs.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[SBooth]

Thanks for the input.
Got mine back from the radiator shop; rodded out; etc.
Now that the cooling system is back to "normal"; on to the charging system, which isn't, so far.

 

[trfourtune]

alan,
fyi,the howe racing radiators are 100$ welded aluminum but are a cross flow design.
rob

 

[trfourtune]

oops! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif
100% not 100$
rob /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif