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New Radiator from TRF problems??

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ALLAN

Jedi Warrior
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Just got my new radiator from TRF, there are some problems--the inlet and outlet tubes are undersize, I had to over-tighten the clamps to get a seal and with the hose bulging out on both sides of the clamp.---The side mounting bolts are metric (must have been made in China) and the entire radiator has a twist in it, (like looking at a warped board) it is slight but noticable. has anybody had this problem? are the radiators from the other suppliers any better? (I would guess they are made in the same place) This was a new batch of radiators that TRF just got in, I have contacted them but havent heard anything yet. Maybe my expectations are too high?
 
Hi Allan, no I do not think your expectations are too high. Certainly your prompt reporting the problem to the vendor may be his only method of knowing something is amiss. Hypothetically, all is not lost. If a push comes to a shove you can have a local radiator shop replace the input and output tubes with ones of the correct size. Re taping the mounting bolt holes to their original size is a viable option too. OTOH, Aftermarket parts should fit!---Keoke
 
I dont mind the metric bolts but I thought it might be an indication of where it was made, which would explain the other problems. I think the radiator being twisted (warped) will always bug me and I dont think I should need to have a new radiator modified. ---I hope TRF comes up with an option.
 
I'd call them and send it back. It is new and should perform as new (i.e not twisted and fit correctly.) Sometimes I have problems with a vendors product and have to send the item back. Then buy from another vendor and all is well. Better to cut your losses and try another vendor for this part.
 
TRF wants to know these kind of problems are out there so they can get it fixed or they will find a different manufacturer.
 
Their policy has changed from the time I purchased a window regulator for my 6 then. This was appx. 10 years ago. When I called reporting the metric thread nuts for the capscrews on the regulator and no screws included, or notification needed for metric screws I was given a shoulder shrug type response over the phone.

So then I discovered the "monster list" of parts suppliers.
 
I would think that TRF would make an effort to 'make it right'...

I have yet to find a Chinese part that fits as good or lasts as long as the original Brit parts (or ANY part for that matter)...

Sorry for the rant but I just got another new cell phone last night to replace the last one to die. This one made it a little over a year. I've had eight phones go bad since 2001 when I signed on with my current cell provider. All of these phones, except one, were mainland Chinese (the other was from Taiwan).

The Chicago-made Motorola I had with my last cell service lasted seven years...and just got obsolete!

Oh yeah...we were talking about radiators...sorry.
 
I was having trouble with my 8 running hot and thru Woodie got a custom Aluminum one made. $525 and it was perfect, the fit was perfect too. I live close to TRF and do not frequent them often.
 
One of the biggest suppliers did not address a few incredibly poor parts a year or so ago. Only a few dollars total but they made their mistake.

Now pouring several thousand into my car and they only received a couple hundred dollars of the orders. Funny thing is, their bean counters probably think all is well.
 
Don't accept a poor quality product, you will have to live with it if you do. Send it back and give them one chance to make everything right, if they can't go elsewhere. I'm looking at aluminum radiaotr replacements and for about $550 you can get a sweet setup from rondavisradiator made specifically for the TR6.
 
Most reputable vendors will try and make the situation right. Alas, it may end up in the scratch and dent section for half-price. At a minimum, they will want to know there may be a quality issue.

Moss refused to ship me a part a while ago due to quality issues, even though they had plenty on the shelf. Can't remember what it was, but they said their whole batch was junk.

If you still have your old rad, you might take it to an honest-to-goodness radiator shop and have them rerore it using your original tanks. I had this done recently, and while it was pricey, it fit perfectly and cools great. It came back looking like new with a 2yr warranty.

Just me, but I don't trust the new chinese repro rads.
 
Havent heard back from TRF yet, would like to give them a chance to respond to my email before I call. There is probabley no other option than to return it.
 
I just had a spare radiator I picked up for my 250 pressure tested & cleaned. The woman was very impresses with the quality of it & condition after 30+ yrs. She called me after she cleaned it all excited that she could read some stampings on it, it was Stanpart. The rig had been recored some time before I got it, but tanks & risers were orig. Sometimes better to repair the old stuff.
 
ALLAN said:
Havent heard back from TRF yet, would like to give them a chance to respond to my email before I call. There is probabley no other option than to return it.
Click to expand...

For TRF, it's a small outfit so best to just call them directly.
 
I have always had good dealings with TRF.

Some years ago I ordered a special order interior from England thru TRF. We had a credit card snafu (I wanted to pay for it when I ordered it...instead they billed me when it came in and the card was declined. This was my 'project account' and I only had a low spending limit on it.) Other than that transaction they have always been helpful and knowledgeable and many parts seem to be of somewhat higher quality than other suppliers.
 
PeterK said:
ALLAN said:
Havent heard back from TRF yet, would like to give them a chance to respond to my email before I call. There is probabley no other option than to return it.
Click to expand...

For TRF, it's a small outfit so best to just call them directly.
Click to expand...

Yep - Call John or Dave - they'll do what's right. Always treated me perfectly.
 
I have been following along here patiently waiting to see if this issue gets resolved amicably.
I am contemplating the purchase of a NEW radiator for my TR-3, but wish to avoid the issues of previous posts IE. cheaply made, too thin material, and especialy non servicable, {my deffinition of non servacible would be having to "Modify" in ANY way} As with the purchase of any product I expect said product to be "AS ADVERTISED"
{basically what I am saying is I want a quality product}
Overheating issues bieng what they are for the TR3`s, where price is not an issue. What would be the best source for this purchase? I was looking at TRF but now im not too sure!
 
AweMan said:
I have been following along here patiently waiting to see if this issue gets resolved amicably.
I am contemplating the purchase of a NEW radiator for my TR-3, but wish to avoid the issues of previous posts IE. cheaply made, too thin material, and especialy non servicable, {my deffinition of non servacible would be having to "Modify" in ANY way} As with the purchase of any product I expect said product to be "AS ADVERTISED"
{basically what I am saying is I want a quality product}
Overheating issues bieng what they are for the TR3`s, where price is not an issue. What would be the best source for this purchase? I was looking at TRF but now im not too sure!
Click to expand...

Do you have an original rad to start with in decent shape? if so, take it to a shop and see if they can recore it. They clean it, unsolder the brass tanks, solder the new core to the tanks and pressure test it. Luckily there's a shop about 5 miles from me that rebuilds rads for heavy equipment. The owner has a couple MGs so he doesn't mind working on British stuff.

Just me, but I would choose a rebuilt original over a far-East copy anyday.
 
Personally I agree with using the Old Rad & Having a Pro Shop Re-Core it etc etc:

I would "Demand" a Refund!!

It`ll probably cost the same as a "New One", Perhaps more but You`ll be a heck of Lot Happier and Trouble Free!

Good Luck with TRF;

Regards, Russ

PS: No Exp. with them so No Comments:
 
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