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TR2/3/3A Radiator decision???

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Kleykamp

Kleykamp

Jedi Trainee
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'61TR3. I guess I'm going to need a radiator. After getting the car out of the garage to run a little, I notice a small puddle of antifreeze. Located the source to be a small hole about 2" down from the top tank. Looking at the aluminum ones on ebay. Anybody had any experience good or bad. Looks a lot less costly than the ones from the usual catalogs sources. It's a weekend, fair weather, driver so not overly concerned with concourse points. I'm thinking a re core would probably still be more than the aluminum ones...if I could even find a radiator shop that still does re cores. Any help/advise is appreciated, as always.
 
I went with a re-core though (as you surmise) it was the most expensive option.

There are certainly some low-priced Aluminum ones (or as my wife would call them, Al+++) so worth getting some real-world experience feedback. I take it the crank hole (or lack thereof) is not a concern.
 
One question to ask yourself is do you need the starting handle hole. I think that all the Aluminum radiators come without the hole.

I plan to keep my old style radiator with the hole because it is nice to be able to use the starting handle.

David
 
Be careful with the recore option, many of the new cores are too dense and they will cool worse or not at all. I installed a AL radiator in my 4A, it was wonderful, came from Wizard radiator in NY. He builds all the radiators that TRF sells, he knows the cars and what they need.
 
Might be worth talking to a radiator shop about repairing the hole. Another advantage of brass over aluminum is that it can be repaired easier.

I went the recore route myself, even without the crank hole (which my radiator guy says reduces cooling capacity by about 10%).
 
I have been running AL radiators in my two TR4's now for about four years. I like them a lot. They are from Wizard, which you can buy off of their website. I am now working on a TR3 and will use an AL radiator in that as well. I notice the ones on ebay are from China. I can vouch for the Wizard.
Charley
 
I just received my aluminum radiator from CG&J and although I have yet to install it, I am very happy with the quality of the product as well as with their immediate responses to my questions and requests. I chose CG&J because they were the only manufacturer to respond to my original e mail inquiries (Wizzard was among the non respondents) and they are currently offering a sale which also includes free shipping. I wanted the rad to include an integral mount for a particular fan (I did not want to mount it with rods through the fins) and their solution is perfect. The rad I bought is for my TR8. They should be able to answer your questions regarding the TR3 including the crank hole. Here's a link: https://www.cgj.com/store/category/triumph-radiators/
 
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I also used Wizard, and was very satisfied with good customer service. It was well made, with easy bolt in installation and no modification required. The combination of a new unit and the elimination of the crank hole, which improves cooling capacity about 20%, completely cured all overheating tendencies.
 
Another vote for Wizard. My research revealed the Chinese ones often don't get the neck extension correct. (too high, too low, wrong angle)
Never a problem with Wizard. I even asked for some slight modifications on mine, and they were able to accommodate me.
Frank
 
Another vote for Wizard.
I have been running one of their aluminum radiator on my Z3 for the last 12 years without a problem.
Quality built.

M.
 
Considered Al as well, but found a local rad shop that did a recore for me, but no crank hole. Very happy with result. Cheers, Mike
 
I have the Wizard aluminum radiator (Roadster Factory purchase) and I just sent away for a hotter thermostat. It cools too well in the winter.

Pat
 
Personally I think the bright aluminum radiator looks somewhat tacky under the hood of a TR. I am always amazed when I read how a new item (radiator, steering box, etc. works so much better than the old unit that had not be serviced in probably decades! I firmly vote to restore the original item!

Lou Metelko
Auburn, Indiana
 
Lou Metelko said:
Personally I think the bright aluminum radiator looks somewhat tacky under the hood of a TR. I am always amazed when I read how a new item (radiator, steering box, etc. works so much better than the old unit that had not be serviced in probably decades! I firmly vote to restore the original item!

Lou Metelko
Auburn, Indiana
Click to expand...
actually the bright AL of the radiator fits right in with the chrome valve cover. There is enough black under the hood without needing the radiator to add to it.
Charley
 
Actually Wizard can powdercoat them black. I think that's who I'm going with. How many of you that went Aluminum went electric fan as well? Just curious if I want to do that or just keep the stock fan?
 
ghawk16 said:
Actually Wizard can powdercoat them black. I think that's who I'm going with. How many of you that went Aluminum went electric fan as well? Just curious if I want to do that or just keep the stock fan?
Click to expand...

I went with the wizard rad and fan.Not the cheapest but very nice with mounted fan,nice long harness and fuse holder with relay and sensor.I also eliminated the stock tractor fan with the Moss kit so don't know about fit with a fan.
I can drive without the fan ever coming on if the car is moving above 15 or 20 mph even in temps above 90.
I have an on/auto switch that I can flip on if I am stopping for a light or traffic and the temp is always setpoint 180.
You really cant see much more than the neck and I like the aluminum color.Powdercoat would seem to add a layer of insulation.
The only thing I didn't like about the aluminum is if you touch the fins they bend.They are very thin.
Tom
 
I left them without the fan. I use a yellow plastic fan and between the AL radiator and the yellow fan, I don't have cooling problems. And we do get temperatures here in excess of 110 degrees. However, just because of the personal comfort reason I try not to drive the cars when it is over 105. But we do drive to the surrounding mountains in the summer and then we often get faced with really hot temperatures when we come back down to the valley.
Charley
 
I just saw a TR3-4 Wizard radiator on EBay. It is painted black. Looks like a bargain
Charley
 
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