original core or new core tubes?

[1930artdeco]

Question: Are modern thin tubes preferable to original large/wide tubes in a radiator? Assuming both are two core rads and the fin count is roughly the same? My opinion is that the original tubes will flow more water (hence more heat dissipation) than the new tubes and won't clog.

Thanks,

Mike

[barnstuf]

My observation of radiators with two rows of tubes is that they are inadequate on the 4th of July parade on a real hot hot day. Go with three rows of tubes which have the cooling capacity you need.

[Tom Wesenberg]

The 2 row isn't enough flow capacity for the Model A IMHO.
My 29 had a 2 row when I bought the car, and it lost a quart every 10 miles out the overflow.

[1930artdeco]

Well, the reason I ask is that I may go look at a repairable original radiator this weekend. I have a recor in her now but would like an original with the larger tubes and preferably an extra row. I can't remember if they came with 2 or 3 rows.

Mike

[CWPASADENA]

Just be careful with original cores

Over time the joint between the tube and fin will corrode and you will loose heat transfer

While an original core may look good it may not work well at all

Buy the original radiator and hang it on the wall of your garage and and put a good repo in your car so you can me joy it

My opinion

Chris W

[updraught]

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I don't think the speed of the water helps get the heat out of the radiator. It may help suck the water out of any dead spots in the block.