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TR2/3/3A 1960 TR3A Radiator replacement recommendations

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woodeye33

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I'm told my radiator cant be repaired.
I'm hoping someone could share their experience with purchasing a new radiator.
Is aluminum the way to go.
With or without the crank hole.
I'm seeing prices from $170 for aluminum on EBAY to $750 from Rimmer Bros
Thanks Jeff
 
I bought a TR4A radiator direct from Wizard Cooling for about $450, within the last couple of years. I have heard bad things about the eBay ones--leakage, for example.

Are you sure it can't be repaired? Rarely do they need more than a recore.
 
Hi thanks for your quick response. I had heard similar things about eBay's radiators. I'll look into a wizard radiator. I only checked one radiator shop who I've used in the past. he said he couldn't get a new Core. I'll look to see if there's another shop in my area.
 
I like the crank hole for adjusting valves, finding the timing marks and setting points. I pull the plugs out to kill the compression and the motor turns easily with the crank. I find it difficult to turn the motor over by hand because the fan is on the crank plus there is little room in the front for anything to grab onto. The main bolt on the end is hidden by the fan. If you can, get the crank hole for working on the car not necessary for starting the car, but for turning the engine over.

steve
 
Were I to do this again, I would omit the crank hole. The cooling tubes blocked off by the hole might come in handy for cooling.

Bob
 
I had the Wizard installed, without the crank hole. The mechanic said it was a direct fit without complications. Much better cooling than the original, even in traffic in hot weather.
 
I think you wil continue to hear positive results from TR owners who have installed
a Wizard Aluminum Radiator. If still concerned.... add the Macy Fan in addition.

Gil. NoCal
 
My opinion - not always based in fact - is it is better to go with a trusted brand name for critical components such as a radiator.

Wizard comes up a lot as a “trusted” brand. As you mention, eBay prices are all over the map… suggesting both quality variance and profit variance.

(In my case I was lucky that a local radiator shop could repair mine - small leak repair, not new core. Rogers Radiators in Medford, FYI for anyone in the Boston area. Good old fashioned place where the guy greeting me had a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. My kinda guy - not specifically the cigarette, but in general.)
 
I bought local at Brice Thomas in Gadsden AL. They specialize in antique and classic cars, hotrods, and race cars. My early TR3 aluminum radiator without a crank hold looks like a work of art and has performed wonderfully for 5+ years. Unfortunately their current price of $632 is about $200 more than I paid.
I have a Macy's Garage fan and can turn the engine by hand, but you can always put the car in gear and push it. If you're doing valves, you might need a long driveway.
Good luck!
 
Seems a pity that they can't do an aluminum one with the crank hole. I did speak to someone at Wizard some time ago and was told there was no call for the crank hole and it would be difficult to do.

I like the ability to turn the engine by hand and is a neat thing at shows to start the TR3 with the handle. Most people have never seen it done these days.

David
 
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