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Cost to recore radiator? Can a radiator be identif

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BugeyeNJ58

BugeyeNJ58

Jedi Hopeful
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Anyone have an idea of the cost to record an early downflow?

Is there a way of identifying a radiator? The one on my 59 BE is downflow, but were their different downflow radiators for 998/1100 and/or 1275 engines?

Trying to determine that maybe the radiator is just the wrong one now that I have a steppd up 1275 motor in the car. Still working on overheating problem.
 
The 1275 cross flow radiator is your best bet.

You can get one from VB for about $140

https://www.victoriabritish.com/features/sm/SMRAD.htm

FYI-I had my 1500 crossflow radiator re-cored in a radiator shop in Dover NJ. It was about $220, but I had extra tubes added (for racing).

Also--For NJ, I'd run a 160 to 165F thermostat and MAKE SURE the lower hose is not too old. If they get old, they'll collapse under the suction and reduce flow. Have someone rev the engine while you're looking at the lower hose.....make sure it's not sucking closed.
 
The only difference (that I know about) between the various downflow radiators is that the early ones have a bung on them for the thermometer probe and the later ones don't (thermometer went into the head).
Many downflows have been recored to 3 row (2 row originally) but I don't think any ever came stock that way.
If you have your's recored be ware that the new core may not have as much tube density (number of tubes per inch across) and you can easily LOSE cooling ability with a new core if they put in the wrong type.
A 3 row, high density core should handle any heating problems while still keeping the original look but if you really need it then the crossflow is possible.
BillM
 
I also am only aware of two slightly different down flow radiators. They also had a different number of groves in the top. Three for the early and two for the later.

Did I get that right BillM?
 
If I go with a crossflow, then I need to get a different shroud...right? That's another expense. I'm not even sure if I should get a new vertical radiator or have my original recored with a 3 row high-density core. Have to check out prices. Can't work on the car for a couple of weeks, but will keep everyone posted when I do...tks..
 
This was a few years ago, but the difference between a recore from a quality shop was $5 more than the unknown quality of a new on from Mo#$. I went with the rebuild, and it has been unbelievably good. Even in 95 degree + weather, in a stop and go traffic jam the temp hasn't exceeded 205, let alone 212, let alone the 240 temp of 50/50 mix. IF you have a good shop around, let them do it.

Someone on the BCF (Frank C. IRRC) said that the down and cross flow have the same cooling capacity, just that the cross flow drains into a reservoir and the down flow drains out onto the ground.
 
I just had mine done for my '60 BE for a total of $300. It was recored with significantly improved cooling over stock (3 rows, 11 additional tubes), trimmed fill throat to accept any standard over the counter cap, slightly larger tap, all dents, bends, dings removed. I'm happy as a clam; it was money well spent.
 
I had mine rebuilt - I think about $250. if you go that route, get a draincock installed you will not regret it.
 
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