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Old 01-11-2019, 02:42 PM   #1
mrtexas
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Default 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

Brassworks radiator on the right. I ordered it without the split feature. The split radiator cost almost 2x what I got. I paid $1,100. Noticed the top tank is much shorter which doesn't matter for function. Also ordered the thicker, cooler version around 1/2 inch thicker. Side of radiator also differs but the support brackets fit. I'm happy on better function and not 100% originality.



https://fordbarn.com/forum/picture.p...ictureid=41217

https://flic.kr/p/2d467HA

https://flic.kr/p/2ea8EY6

https://flic.kr/p/2ea8EXz
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Last edited by mrtexas; 01-11-2019 at 03:34 PM.
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Old 01-11-2019, 02:59 PM   #2
JSeery
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

That is a bit odd. My 33 radiator is a very close match to the original.
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Old 01-11-2019, 03:15 PM   #3
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

Thanks for sharing the photos with the original. It's the one radiator that is hard to find a photo of. The thing is actually two narrow cores assembled as one so the crank could be inserted. Most folks never try to use the hand crank anyway.
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Old 01-11-2019, 03:17 PM   #4
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

They promised me it would be exactly like an original '32 radiator. There is "nothing" about that is like the original. I'd rather have the original! The brackets are a lot stronger. I have another one from a different manufacturer that on its first outing, which was the Pasadena Reliability Run, the radiator support rods bracket on the top tank snapped in half. It literally cracked in half. The radiator had its rubber pads and springs on the bottom. No more aftermarkets for me!!!!!! Re-core an original, if you can find a radiator shop? They are just about all gone since the cars now have throwaway plastic radiators. The hardcore Ford enthusiasts will notice if your radiator is original or not. You get brownie points for keeping it original.
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Old 01-11-2019, 03:32 PM   #5
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

I remember now after looking at their web site again. The 41 with the tall top tank is a "late" 41. Didn't seem worth the extra money to me.

Dual core is +$500, crank hole is +$250, tall top tank +$200

With all that it would have been a $2000 radiator instead of a $1100 radiator.
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Old 01-12-2019, 03:01 AM   #6
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

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Originally Posted by mrtexas View Post
I remember now after looking at their web site again. The 41 with the tall top tank is a "late" 41. Didn't seem worth the extra money to me.

Dual core is +$500, crank hole is +$250, tall top tank +$200

With all that it would have been a $2000 radiator instead of a $1100 radiator.
And even then it wouldn't match the original.
You got a good radiator for your purpose, and leave the originals for those who want to enter point judging.
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Old 01-12-2019, 04:24 AM   #7
Ray Balukas
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

Merrills Radiator Concord N.H. still does re-cores. They do a great job, and use cores from Maine Radiator. They're on the Web. Ray
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Old 01-12-2019, 09:55 AM   #8
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

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Originally Posted by Flathead Fever View Post
They promised me it would be exactly like an original '32 radiator. There is "nothing" about that is like the original. I'd rather have the original! The brackets are a lot stronger. I have another one from a different manufacturer that on its first outing, which was the Pasadena Reliability Run, the radiator support rods bracket on the top tank snapped in half. It literally cracked in half. The radiator had its rubber pads and springs on the bottom. No more aftermarkets for me!!!!!! Re-core an original, if you can find a radiator shop? They are just about all gone since the cars now have throwaway plastic radiators. The hardcore Ford enthusiasts will notice if your radiator is original or not. You get brownie points for keeping it original.
Beko radiator on Concord , Ca. will do a great job on a recore. Not cheap but excellent work.
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Old 01-12-2019, 10:33 AM   #9
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

I went with the late 1941 split core version on my sedan. When Brassworks furnished me dimensions on the four row cores, I calculated it would interfere with my crank mounted fan so I went with three rows. I’m happy with the fit and function. A recore was not an option since I purchased the car with an earlier radiator.
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Old 01-12-2019, 02:04 PM   #10
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

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Originally Posted by tmiller6 View Post
I went with the late 1941 split core version on my sedan. When Brassworks furnished me dimensions on the four row cores, I calculated it would interfere with my crank mounted fan so I went with three rows. I’m happy with the fit and function. A recore was not an option since I purchased the car with an earlier radiator.
No problem with the fan interfering
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Old 01-14-2019, 12:45 PM   #11
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

The radiator pictured is the older design. We began fabricating the top tanks to the OE geometry rather than use the common shorter drawn tank. Some radiators are well hidden but not the 39 Dlx, 40-41 and late 41. The tank is so prominent in the engine we prefer that design.

It does take more time but here is what it looks like today.
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Old 01-14-2019, 11:20 PM   #12
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

I bought my brassworks radiator in early 2017
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Old 01-14-2019, 11:32 PM   #13
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

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Originally Posted by The Brassworks View Post
The radiator pictured is the older design. We began fabricating the top tanks to the OE geometry rather than use the common shorter drawn tank. Some radiators are well hidden but not the Dlx, 40-41 It does take more time but here is what it looks like today.
Doesn't the 40 tank have the filler neck at 45 degrees on the side?
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Old 01-15-2019, 10:45 AM   #14
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

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Originally Posted by philipswanson View Post
Doesn't the 40 tank have the filler neck at 45 degrees on the side?
Yes, you are correct.
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Old 01-15-2019, 11:22 AM   #15
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

This looks to be an original 41 radiator with correct filler neck for only $60.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1941-Ford-F...-/183283701892
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Old 01-15-2019, 11:37 AM   #16
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

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Originally Posted by 19Fordy View Post
This looks to be an original 41 radiator with correct filler neck for only $60.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1941-Ford-F...-/183283701892
So the Brassworks radiator must have the wrong filler neck, right?
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Old 01-15-2019, 11:41 AM   #17
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

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Originally Posted by Ray Balukas View Post
Merrills Radiator Concord N.H. still does re-cores. They do a great job, and use cores from Maine Radiator. They're on the Web. Ray
Wouldn't want to go to N.H. to have a radiator done. Fortunately, we have several radiator shops here in San Diego too that do re-cores. Even had one done in Tijuana. I traveled all the way to Vermont to buy the 40 Woody but I don't want to go back, especially now.
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Old 01-15-2019, 02:44 PM   #18
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

The one pictured in post #11 is correct for the later 41 type. It would be wrong for a 1940 model or an early 1941.

The one on flea pay looks pretty rough. When they start soldering tubes then they are done in my book. The tanks & braces might be good for a recore though.
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Old 01-17-2019, 08:45 PM   #19
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

For those who live in the New England area, in addition to NH, there is great radiator shop in Orleans Mass called Starfish Radiator. Dan Guertin the owner has re-cored several radiators for me using original tanks and exact replica cores from Maine Auto Radiator in Maine, made in USA.
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Old 06-07-2019, 03:18 PM   #20
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Default Re: 41 radiator, original vs brassworks

Sorry so late. We do not check the forum unless someone contacts us.

Re: Neck placement.
We communicate the OE neck placement when ordering but can place the neck wherever people want it. We recently had a gentlemen point out that his fluid capacity would be greater with a top placement which is an interesting consideration.

Re: Top Tanks
We have been moving to hand fabricated tank designs to better replicate the shapes and angles rather than generic smooth drawn tanks. They look more original but take more time. If you want OE its best for us restore with your OE tanks and sides etc.

The three row core and the 4 row should fit the 39-41 radiator(s) but we discuss the size at the time of order and encourage people to measure and confirm. Of all the radiators to squeeze more core in this is the one due to airflow and design and engine etc etc

Last edited by The Brassworks; 06-07-2019 at 03:31 PM.
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