WTB Traction Avant Radiator, Sydney

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baldrick56

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Sent my existing radiator to be cleaned / repaired but its now been condemned as 'unfixable' - does anyone have a better example for sale? its a Slough built 'Normale' (the 'Lights' have a smaller Rad. I think) {Sydney area}
Thanks, Rob
 
I think that you may have to re-core the original. Surely the top and bottom tanks and side plates can be saved. Yes the Big 15/11 Normale rads are wider. Maybe you need to find a person that can handle 'Vintage radiators' if it is in the too hard basket for your local guy!
 
Where in Sydney?
Supposed to be someone who bought a business south of Sutherland that used to specialise in vintage type stuff, who is absolutely hopeless.
Go to someone who repairs radiators from earthmover type machines or is a real old established tradesman.
Not that hard to do yourself if not corroded leaking tubes.
Will post a link on here later today on how to. JG.
 
Thanks Gerry, thanks Artificer,
the local guy is in Katoomba - I've seen various old-timer vehicles in his shop so I think he's OK with the vintage rads. A new one from Europe's around 500Euro as far as I can see, but what the freight's gonna be is probably the killer! (I went to buy some "on sale" parts for my MG a week ago from the UK, for $250 worth of stuff the freight was going to be $350 - so I didn't bother as they were all 'just in case' components). The link shows some impressive work on the Jeep's rad but I'm not sure my skills with soldering are up to that level - the odd electric wire connection I've done successfully but I'm guessing you need more than a bargain basement piddly little soldering iron for that.
Regards,
Rob
 
PICTURES plus 're-posting on technical' may help!

Closer & I would do for you, if considered salvageable.
Did the repairer boil out the core?
What did the repairer actually do & say as to his evaluation?


Repairers/Tradesmen are going to consider time v/s material & labour time now days.
Time will always kill something which may well be a good prospect for repair.

There are folk who will build a radiator if not repairable for less than importing something that is not as good as original & why I suggested 'earthmover types'.

Fact of life is all us old time practical & experienced mechanics are retiring or dropping off the perch.

Just lost a few excellent auto elecs up our way who decided to pull the pin, with this virus stuff, much the pity.
JG.
 
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Thanks Ian, Thanks JG,

JG - know what you mean Re what's "DIY'able" vs what's "doable" for the professionals. The rad's still at the workshop right now I'll attempt to retrieve it this week - found a co. online - "ADRAD" {branch in Syd.} that say they do "universal radiator cores" so might take the wreckage along to their place & try & match up a size that would work. If a new core could be grafted to the original head & base tank I guess that would allow the volume / flow for a non-pressure system.

PPS I forgot to say the Katoomba rad shop did repair my leaking 404 rad a couple of years ago and that's still working OK to date.

Regards,

Rob
 
Update - I have the wreckage of the Rad back now - in the meantime its been to another fixer upper (Natrad in Parramatta) since I couldn't find a core supplier who would deal with retail customers. The quote to recore was $1,400 +GST so I said thanks but no thanks and last night ordered one from Europe {$450 +$275 freight}, won't be here for weeks but I've plenty to do in the meantime. :whistle:
Regards,
Rob
 
baldrick56 said:
Update - I have the wreckage of the Rad back now - in the meantime its been to another fixer upper (Natrad in Parramatta) since I couldn't find a core supplier who would deal with retail customers. The quote to recore was $1,400 +GST so I said thanks but no thanks and last night ordered one from Europe {$450 +$275 freight}, won't be here for weeks but I've plenty to do in the meantime. :whistle:
Regards,
Rob
Click to expand...
Sounds like the Parramatta guy was trying to rip you off!
 
Sounds the Parramatta guy didn't want the job, but would have accepted the profitable quote had one been silly enough to say yes.
Happens often to us with these type 'collector' vehicles.

BTW for anyone interested my light 15 was fitted with an Austin 1800 radiator [fits neatly] when I purchased with altered/modified tank inlet & outlet to suit hose sizes & positions.
Radiator [older style] repair shops have all these type things on the shelf.
The car has an 1800 overflow tank as well with pressure cap.
Last weeks here has been very hot & drives in hilly country no overheating or need to top up.
 
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