A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

I was checking out radiators on Ebay and found this. What does everyone think of this radiator?



https://www.ebay.com/i/121491925180?ul_noapp=true


Somehow, it seems un-American to put a Chinese radiator in a Model A, but it does look nice.



No flaming, please, for my asking the question! LOL

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

Many modern automobiles have aluminum radiators. A VW Golf diesel of my former acquaintance had aluminum fins on aluminum tubes glued to plastic headers. Of course the radiator required "special" coolant as water alone would attack the radiator.

And there has been some talk about the fins becoming "corroded" where they meet the thru-tubes. The fit is mechanical only (no solder) and a bit of water in this location will "film" the aluminum (yes, aluminum self protects on a corrosion layer) and this corrosion layer can serve to block heat passing from the fin to the tube. Somewhat akin to the copper radiator syndrome of "corroded solder" but this is an end of life event for a copper radiator.

While the price may be right - the mechanics seem to not recommend.

Joe K

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

[QUOTE=Paul Bjarnason;1725993]I was checking out radiators on Ebay and found this. What does everyone think of this radiator?



https://www.ebay.com/i/121491925180?ul_noapp=true

Comments:

1) It appears the (lower) water outlet is not at the correct angle. Pointed a bit too far to the left side and it appears level rather than slightly pointed down.
2) The lower mounting tabs for the shell appear to be incorrectly shaped and too widely spaced.
3) The mounting holes for the shell and the mounting tabs to the frame are not drilled. This would require careful fitting.

I would not spend my money on it but you get to choose....
Good Day!

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

If you get it, please let us know what happens.

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

I have one in my 29 Roadster, it works very well here in Okinawa with all the stop and go traffic. It keeps the car running cool. It was a pain to get All the mounting holes drilled so the hood fit correctly. I think I paid $180.00 for it. I did paint it black because it is a high corrosion area were I live, salt water spray off the oceans, hot and humid in summer & wet winters.

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

I personally don't like it wouldn't go for it, but if for somebody it gets them back on the road for now, until they get a good one from Berg's, well maybe then OK.............

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

Opinions are like armpits, everyone has a couple. So far, there is one person who has posted an opinion based on experience... and it sounds pretty positive.

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

I am a cautious person and I do not like to be on the cutting edge of anything. But, if a couple more folks were to weigh in with positive feedback, I would probably try it out. It's not like this aluminum radiator would be the first Asian part to be put on the old Jalopy.



I am old enough (75) to remember when imports from Japan were referred to as "Japanese junk". Then, over time, they evolved into some pretty good products, like Samsung, Makita, Ryobi, Toyota, etc. Seems the same evolution is happening with the Chinese products.

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

I have an aluminum radiator in my A powered hot rod that is 20 years old and has had zero issues.

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

Rat rod ? Or driver

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

Take a guess

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

"No returns......................"
Paul in CT

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

Yes no returns so be where It sits one inch high (hood high in front) so you have to nip the chassis a little .

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

I think that many more parts that we buy come from China! Back in 2001, I restored a Ford 8N and the old Central Tractor from Iowa (New Name, ??) Just about every part in the catalog was Chinese built, Including NEW (Not rebuilt) engines. They were offering new engines (8N) for about $2500. Radiators, No problem! I don't know how they worked, but the Chinese were willing to sell them.
Terry

Yesterday's Tractors

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

I like it!!! Looks WOT sitting still!

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

About 12 years ago I bought one of these Chinese radiators for my Dodge truck with a Cummins.OEM was about $800,Spectra-Premium out of Canada was $400,and the Chinese one was $220.I bought it,wanting the get through the plow season,it is still in the truck and shows no sign of corrosion.It has outlasted the original radiator by two years now.I am going to buy one of these for one of my A's,there is somebody selling them here in the states.I have not heard about having to nip the crossmember to make it fit,I will have to find out if it has happened or it is one of those myths that always seem to make the rounds about Chinese stuff.

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

Well they do say that they promise to use premium materials, so it boils down to if you believe them. Not a bad price, might be worth a shot despite our huge trade deficit with the Chinese.

As Keith was mentioning, I too have dealt with a lot of Chinese parts. For the factories that produce OEM parts, those are generally ok to get as they are made well, just with cheaper labor. but there are many different levels of quality with Chinese factories though and you really don’t know where this one is being made.

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

A few years ago Fine Woodworking did a comparison of various pacific rim sourced woodworking tools. Their expose on the state of Chinese manufacturing was most interesting, including the "dog eat dog" entrepreneurial spirit which pervades the place. It is not unusual for a machine tool company to form, a machine be made and a successful market penetration result therefrom - and then the company be bought out by more established competitors - all within the span of about a month.

And - copies exist of successful designs. You might expect this in a country where copyright laws are nil to none. One successful band-saw was emblazoned with adjustment knobs with the logo of an elephant on them. Because they were successful and beating all the others to market - suddenly all the others came out with copies of that saw - all the way down to the elephant logo. So attempts to "self copyright" are in effect meaningless.

I think I have spoken here about VW. Today VW is the most widely driven automobile in China - there are more VWs on the road in China than the rest of the world combined. All made by Chinese factories.

But one of the agreements that is signed by an offshore owner/producer looking to have product made in China is to agree to allow the Chinese manufacturer to market the product under their own name - or no name.

For me tone wheel sensors for the VW (part of the ABS system) are available with the Audi circles from VW for about $60 a copy. Or one can go on Ebay and buy "aftermarket" tone wheel sensors for about $6 - which includes shipping from China - and no Audi circles. Same sensor exactly.

Well - I say that. How is one to truly know?

Almost all US available parts for VW, Audi circles or no are made in China.

One can go to Briggs & Stratton and buy a replacement carburetor for the Briggs 8 horse F-head engine (the standard chipper/shredder, snowblower, leaf-blower engine) and pay nearly $90 for the carb. Comes in a nice box emblazoned with the B&S diamond. Or one can go on Ebay and find a Chinese pacific rim carburetor for $12 delivered which looks the same, parts interchange the same, runs the same - but is not painted red. More than likely the same carburetor in the B&S diamond box but a LOT less money.

But who knows for sure?

You pays your money you takes your chances.

Joe K

Re: A Chinese radiator in a Model A?!!!
 

I have not put a aluminum radiator in our Model A.
But I have put a aluminum radiator in our Triumph TR3....
Which often struggle in hot California Summer weather.
We went with a Wizard radiator.... made in the USA.
Those import aluminum radiators have not held up as well
as the Wizards. Yes.... Wizard is more expensive.
FWIW

Gil. NoCal