The Ford Barn

JD 1931 · 12-12-2013, 06:09 AM

How can you tell if the Radiator is an original one on a 1931 model A? , J.D.

RonC · 12-12-2013, 06:32 AM

By the fin pattern is the easiest way. Someone will have to post a picture.

Tom Wesenberg · 12-12-2013, 06:48 AM

By the weight. An original usually weighs about 50% more than a repro. Original is about 30 pounds and a repro is about 20 lbs. As I recall the 1930 AA radiator I replaced was about 33 pounds, and the repro about 22 pounds.

Also look for the dimpled fins and count the fins per inch.

Christoph · 12-12-2013, 07:10 AM

Tom
Ja - Even with an all new heavy-duty-repro I had about the same weight ratio.

BUT ... how to tell that the original radiator didnt turn heavy
over the years (due to debris)?

Tom Wesenberg · 12-12-2013, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christoph

Tom
Ja - Even with an all new heavy-duty-repro I had about the same weight ratio.

BUT ... how to tell that the original radiator didnt turn heavy
over the years (due to debris)?

The radiator would have been stopped up and removed way before 10 pounds of deposits could have been added.

Christoph · 12-12-2013, 10:54 AM

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.
Thank you Tom - i was just curious

Quote:

The radiator would have been stopped up and removed way
before 10 pounds of deposits could have been added

This might have been the case with your car.

Back when i got my car, i had to refill more water than fuel (per mile)
and thought it is normal behavior of an "A" to act like steam train

I guess this radiator should have been replaced some 50 years ago

(btw im happy with my Snyders-repro)

TinCup · 12-12-2013, 12:36 PM

When I was chasing my overheating issues I was amazed at when a buddy of mine loaned me and original 1931 radiator. I could not believe how heavy it was compared to the repo in my car. The fins were so stiff they could not easily be bent. I knew when I picked it up that my radiator was far inferior in construction. I did not weigh it but as Tom stated I believe the 30 pound weight is correct.

Tom Wesenberg · 12-12-2013, 01:47 PM

Here is a picture of an original 1930 Model A radiator.

JD 1931 · 12-13-2013, 06:48 AM

Thanks for the replies, and thanks to Tom for posting the photo as mine must be original because it matches the one in photo....J.D.

12-12-2013, 06:09 AM	#1
JD 1931 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: west coast Fla.. Posts: 311	Original radiator? How can you tell if the Radiator is an original one on a 1931 model A? , J.D.

12-12-2013, 06:32 AM	#2
RonC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 1,868	Re: Original radiator? By the fin pattern is the easiest way. Someone will have to post a picture.

12-12-2013, 06:48 AM	#3
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Original radiator? By the weight. An original usually weighs about 50% more than a repro. Original is about 30 pounds and a repro is about 20 lbs. As I recall the 1930 AA radiator I replaced was about 33 pounds, and the repro about 22 pounds. Also look for the dimpled fins and count the fins per inch.

12-12-2013, 07:10 AM	#4
Christoph Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Frankfurt am Main in Germany Posts: 671	Re: Original radiator? Tom Ja - Even with an all new heavy-duty-repro I had about the same weight ratio. BUT ... how to tell that the original radiator didnt turn heavy over the years (due to debris)?

12-12-2013, 12:36 PM	#7
TinCup Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: OKC / Tonkawa, Ok. Posts: 1,977	Re: Original radiator? When I was chasing my overheating issues I was amazed at when a buddy of mine loaned me and original 1931 radiator. I could not believe how heavy it was compared to the repo in my car. The fins were so stiff they could not easily be bent. I knew when I picked it up that my radiator was far inferior in construction. I did not weigh it but as Tom stated I believe the 30 pound weight is correct. __________________ Oklahoma City Model A Restorers Group.

12-13-2013, 06:48 AM	#9
JD 1931 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: west coast Fla.. Posts: 311	Re: Original radiator? Thanks for the replies, and thanks to Tom for posting the photo as mine must be original because it matches the one in photo....J.D.