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MGB Another easy fix....upper radiator bracket

Joe Reed

Jedi Warrior
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Can you tell that I like quick, easy (but effective) fixes?

The upper radiator bracket on the passenger side of my car had broken loose from the tank...allowing a little movement. I know the proper way to repair it would be to remove the radiator, take the bracket completely off, clean both the bracket and that part of the top tank, solder the bracket back to the tank, repaint and reinstall.

That's more than a 5 minute job, so I decided to try something else. I had part of a tube left of JB Weld Clear 5-Minute Epoxy. I've had good success with that product on household repairs...so, what the heck...I'll give it a shot. Using a popsicle stick, I spread the epoxy thoroughly between the bracket and the top tank, then pushed the bracket tight against the tank. I let the bonnet down onto a large screwdriver standing on the top of the bracket to keep pressure on it while the epoxy cured.

It appears to have done the job, but we'll see if it holds up to the vibration once the car is driven a while. If it holds it does have one other advantage over resoldering....since the epoxy is clear it doesn't show up!
 
UPDATE: The epoxy failed. It finally quit raining here, so I took the car out for a drive. I don't know if it was the heat, the vibration, or a combination of the two but the exoxy failed. Lack of proper preparation probably was also a contributing factor. Oh well....it was worth a shot!
 
If any glue would work, the factory would have used it, reason they were (soft) welded, (soldered).
 
I presume there is a rad shop that can help - I know it is a PITA to have to take it out, but, they can fix it in half an hour. BTW, when you do, get a drain c*ck installed - on the front of the rad! I had one put in and should have put it in the front - much easier to drain - I can check and tell you what side.
 
Oops, just realized I was looking at B's not Midgets - do B's already have drain c*cks?
 
I can solder it. I just wanted to try a different fix. Sometimes they work, sometimes not.
 
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