Radiator Repair and Improvements

[JasonS]

I've had my radiator out a few times to re-solder the top of the fan shroud to the top tank. By chance, I was looking at a few spare radiators and noticed that those had much greater overlap between the top tank and shroud and therefore greater strength. I cut a new shroud with a jigsaw, tinned the tank and shroud with a propane pencil torch, painted, then soldered in place. These kinds of radiator repairs really aren't too hard if you clean and tin parts before mating.

I have also been using a heim joint and "normal" radiator hose on the top. I think that using the rigid radiator hose on the top contributes to shaking the neck loose.

 

[rustystud]

I've had my radiator out a few times to re-solder the top of the fan shroud to the top tank. By chance, I was looking at a few spare radiators and noticed that those had much greater overlap between the top tank and shroud and therefore greater strength. I cut a new shroud with a jigsaw, tinned the tank and shroud with a propane pencil torch, painted, then soldered in place. These kinds of radiator repairs really aren't too hard if you clean and tin parts before mating.

I have also been using a heim joint and "normal" radiator hose on the top. I think that using the rigid radiator hose on the top contributes to shaking the neck loose.

I went to a "silicone" hose for the top years ago for that very reason. Silicone hoses are much more flexible then normal rubber hoses. Good idea on the shroud too. That should increase the strength of the core considerably.

 

[JasonS]

I went to a "silicone" hose for the top years ago for that very reason. Silicone hoses are much more flexible then normal rubber hoses. Good idea on the shroud too. That should increase the strength of the core considerably.

I don't think that there is a joint in the radiator that I haven't had to repair. I am hoping that these repairs last awhile...

 

[ToddJK]

Great job on the radiator. Looks like it's pretty strong, should hold up for a while.
Did you buy that hose that length or was it cut down?

 

[JasonS]

I use a straight section from the lower hose.