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TR2/3/3A TR3B Radiator.. A Quck Question

CaptRoy

Jedi Hopeful
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A quick question for everyone... Will a TR3B radiator fit in a 1960 TR3A? I found great deal on one, but not sure it will fit...

Thanks again guys..

I'm off to Louisiana for a boat show this weekend...

Capt Roy
1960 Tr3A TS71469L
 
Hi,

See if you can get pictures of it. If it has the long header tank that positions the filler cap about 12" rearward, and I think it will, it will work. Even the early TR4 rads (same time frame as the 3"B" were being built) had the same, long header tank as the 3A. So, my best guess is, yes, it should be fine. The only thing I'd try to avoid is the rads with the hand crank hole. That hole cuts off about 20% of the cooling and can cause overheating problems. A rad can be rebuilt without the hole, but that's an additional cost.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
OTOH, I drive in 100+ heat w/o overheating and have a crank hole (and use it). I don't think the presence of a crank hole causes overheating problems but I suppose it does give you less of a margin if something in the cooling system is sub-par.
 
TR 2-3-3A-3B, same radiator.
The only difference between a 3A and a 3B is that some of the 3Bs got TR4 engine and trannys. Some of the 3Bs the only difference is the commission number.
You can get it and there won't be any problem with it fitting as long as it really is from a 3B
 
A tech tip for easier installation (and removal next time) of your radiator. The heads of the bolts under the rad are almost impossible to reach. So once you get these bolts and the rad out, try the following. Put the bolts in a vice and with a hack-saw, put a slot in the threaded end of each bolt. Then when you re-install the rad, get the bolt started with your fingers from below. Make sure that the threads are clean. Then from above, use a screwdriver to thread the bolt upwards till it's almost tight. Then a turn on the hex head with a wrench below will finish the job. See the attachment.

Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A
 
Re: TR3B Radiator.. A Quick Question

To follow up on Don's post, he's right in that it is very difficult to get to those bolts. I found using a Craftsman 1/4 inch socket wrench, (the small one,) and a 9/16 socket allowed me to get in there w/ just enough clearance to successfully get those buggers off after 45 years. Everything else, tool wise, was just too big!
Best, Kevin Browne
'59TR3A #58370
 
Re: TR3B Radiator.. A Quick Question

Thanks for all the input... Don, that was great! these little tips are what makes it... I'm going to pick up the radiator as it does not have the crank hole and has a fan installed...
 
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