Radiator Refurb
Discussion
Whilst we're taking things apart in preparation for getting the wedge on the road for april (hopefully) I figured it would be a good idea to look at the cooling system as I plan on using the TVR as my daily driver. All the hoses are fine so no need to worry there. My main concern was the radiator, there's a good chance it's fine (definitely far from "like new" though lol) but I thought it would be a good idea to get it refurbished whilst I still have funds for getting the car to a decent mechanical condition.
So looking for suggestions on companies that offer this service and how much roughly it might come out at.
Cheers
So looking for suggestions on companies that offer this service and how much roughly it might come out at.
Cheers
Hi Aaron..Unfortunately i can't recommend anyone in your area but what i will say is the original rad is stepped i believe so it might still struggle if recored to the same spec...I can't remember exactly but i think its 2 stepped and i had Delilah's 3 core all the way..Check it out a bit more thoroughly though as the original fitment is Granada and it struggled to cope with the granny so will always with the TVR...
Also if possible get them to fit a longer overflow pipe and to ensure that it is soldered thoroughly..They need to know that it is part of the flow of the vehicle and not just an overflow.
I found that when fitting the hose to the overflow you have to be carful as to the position of the clip as the cap will push down on it and weaken the solder..Mine gave up after i had to faff around draining and filling when my rear thermostat housing lug snapped...Cheers...Ziga
Also if possible get them to fit a longer overflow pipe and to ensure that it is soldered thoroughly..They need to know that it is part of the flow of the vehicle and not just an overflow.
I found that when fitting the hose to the overflow you have to be carful as to the position of the clip as the cap will push down on it and weaken the solder..Mine gave up after i had to faff around draining and filling when my rear thermostat housing lug snapped...Cheers...Ziga
Rads - in case it helps, the info I have is -
The 2.8 rad is a cut down Granada, with the core shortened. I think (but not confirmed) that the early 2.3 Granada had a shorter rad, which might be the one TVR used as their prototype, but pretty soon all Cologne Granadas got the bigger (taller) 2.8 rad.
The 2.8 Granny radiator is too tall, and fouls the rack (or at least the one I tried out did), and the guys told me it was also the 2.3 Granny.
The end tanks are definitely the same as the standard Ford radiator, and as Zig says, my overflow also had to be soldered up, more then once. I think this is a TVR problem, possibly it catches the bonnet or the padding ??
My rad looks just like the side pieces/mounts have been cut down and then soldered/riveted back to end tanks.
I reckon there will be several crossflow rads that would fit - here in NZ, as I said in another thread, the Holden Commodore one goes in perfectly, but would need mounting bracket mods and sorting hoses would be interesting, but it's for a 3800 Buick engine, so should cool plenty for a 2.8 !!
OH - this is for the rad which is not in the nosecone - don't know what that ones is - I thought it was same as the 350, but don't know.
The 2.8 rad is a cut down Granada, with the core shortened. I think (but not confirmed) that the early 2.3 Granada had a shorter rad, which might be the one TVR used as their prototype, but pretty soon all Cologne Granadas got the bigger (taller) 2.8 rad.
The 2.8 Granny radiator is too tall, and fouls the rack (or at least the one I tried out did), and the guys told me it was also the 2.3 Granny.
The end tanks are definitely the same as the standard Ford radiator, and as Zig says, my overflow also had to be soldered up, more then once. I think this is a TVR problem, possibly it catches the bonnet or the padding ??
My rad looks just like the side pieces/mounts have been cut down and then soldered/riveted back to end tanks.
I reckon there will be several crossflow rads that would fit - here in NZ, as I said in another thread, the Holden Commodore one goes in perfectly, but would need mounting bracket mods and sorting hoses would be interesting, but it's for a 3800 Buick engine, so should cool plenty for a 2.8 !!
OH - this is for the rad which is not in the nosecone - don't know what that ones is - I thought it was same as the 350, but don't know.
Edited by RCK974X on Tuesday 3rd February 18:39
There are two options basically you can go down..... (1) the refurb route, find a good local firm so you can check on the quality etc. Budget £350 - £400 and about a week to turn it around. Pros are that it will fit straight in etc Cons it will last for another couple of years before it will need doing again or
(2) Retro fit another ally type radiator which will be more modern in design and efficiency - Budget £600 Pros - efficient and much lighter, will last another 15 years - Cons will need fetting and some planning with the plumbing to fit into the car.
I went the ally route with a slightly modified Chim/Griff radiator with the twin Spax fan set up. Auto sensing and manual over ride with seperate relays for left and right fans and did away with the old out dated otter switch and its inherent problems / location.
Job done
Chris
(2) Retro fit another ally type radiator which will be more modern in design and efficiency - Budget £600 Pros - efficient and much lighter, will last another 15 years - Cons will need fetting and some planning with the plumbing to fit into the car.
I went the ally route with a slightly modified Chim/Griff radiator with the twin Spax fan set up. Auto sensing and manual over ride with seperate relays for left and right fans and did away with the old out dated otter switch and its inherent problems / location.
Job done
Chris
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