Good radiator

[rlh37ford]

I’ve done a search in this forum for info on a high quality reproduction 30-31 radiator. I’ve found many comments on Berg radiators and a few on Brassworks. I’ve also observed that nearly all
comments recommend the Berg radiator, and the few negative comments are on the Brassworks radiators. It’s noteworthy that negative comments that are specific refer only to the 28-29 units. So, here’s my question: if anyone out there has first-hand experience with 6 fin Brassworks 30-31 radiators, please speak up. And if any of your experiences with 6 fin Brassworks 30-31 radiators have been bad, please describe the problem(s). Please do not respond it your experience with Brassworks radiators has only been with 28-29. Thanks for your help guys.

[Wello]

Although my experience is with a 1929, I purchased a radiator from Bert's in Colorado. They used original tanks with their 4 row core. Excellent workmanship and the fit was perfect. They were a pleasure to work with. I would not hesitate to use Bert's again.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I installed a Brassworks in a late 1930 AA truck and the bracket for the hood rods wasn't made right. I had to weld extensions to both support rods so they'd reach. It was also much lighter than the original radiator.

[Duffy1]

In my 31 s/w ,I am running a brass works radiator designed to run under pressure. I run 4psi cap and over flow bottle . Car has engine pans ,fan shroud , no thermostate . B touring engine . No problems with ac on 60 mph on a 95 degree day.

[Ford1931]

I have a Brassworks radiator in my 31 wide bed pickup. Seems to fit fine and works fine.
The dimples are close but no cigar.

[rlh37ford]

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Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

I installed a Brassworks in a late 1930 AA truck and the bracket for the hood rods wasn't made right. I had to weld extensions to both support rods so they'd reach. It was also much lighter than the original radiator.

Tom: you write "It was also much lighter than the original radiator." Do you know if this means lighter metal in the tanks, thinner metal in the tubes, or both?

Thanks for all your comments so far fellas; keep 'em coming.

[JOES31]

Does anyone make an all aluminum radiator that duplicates the Model A brass radiators and would look correct? That would be ideal as aluminum radiators are lighter and much better at dissipating heat over brass keeping the engines cooler. They would have to be made with brass or aluminum tanks and not the fiber tanks you see on modern radiators. Not that I need one now but was just wondering.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by rlh37ford

Tom: you write "It was also much lighter than the original radiator." Do you know if this means lighter metal in the tanks, thinner metal in the tubes, or both?

Thanks for all your comments so far fellas; keep 'em coming.

Lighter in all parts as far as I could tell. It was several years ago, but I seem to recall the new radiator being at least 10 pounds lighter than the original.

[Barber31]

I've seen aluminum ones but they are only for sbc conversions.

[modelamodela]

Bought a 1930 radiator from Brassworks, has two problems: 1) Filler neck too short, can't use an original Stanco locking Motometer cap which does fit the original radiator, 2) tabs that connect the radiator to radiator shell are MUCH thinner than the original, so flimsy you can bend them with your fingers. Original tabs are thick and strong.
I have also bought Berg's radiators, they have been much better than Brassworks, in my experience.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Wello

Although my experience is with a 1929, I purchased a radiator from Bert's in Colorado. They used original tanks with their 4 row core. Excellent workmanship and the fit was perfect. They were a pleasure to work with. I would not hesitate to use Bert's again.

I also purchased from Bert's. It is a great radiator and has worked great.

[Glenn C.]

I recently installed a Brassworks radiator on my 31, but have not had much of a chance to test it out. Fit like a glove. Would a person need to install a liquid recovery system as it is difficult to determine the proper fill point.

[Duffy1]

Know a lot of folks that run them ,me included.Good to have if you want to know how much water you are loosing out of your over flow. Also if you run antifreeze it will keep the antifreeze contained in lieu of going on the ground where your pets have access to it.