Radiators re cores
Author
Discussion

Lotobear

Original Poster:

9,210 posts

158 months

Yesterday (13:52)
quotequote all
I am looking for a firm to fit a new standard core into the radiator for my Elan. The radiator is essentially any early Spitfire rad, modded to suit the Lotus by turning around the inlet and outlet - its a simple affair.

I've been staggered by the cost quoted locally and would appreciate any recommendations on good traditional firms who can do this - preferably North West England or North East.

I recall the days when there was a Serck services in every town who would do a re core at a reasonable price but they all seem to have gone.

Heaveho

7,575 posts

204 months

Yesterday (15:22)
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Advanced radiators used to be in the West end of Newcastle but have moved to a unit in Washington. I used them to recore my Mk1 MR2 rad a few years ago, couple of hundred quid including fixing a couple of captive nuts that had come adrift.

RazerSauber

2,937 posts

90 months

Yesterday (16:41)
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I've heard good things about Desert Radiators in Widnes but never used them myself

Jap90s

2,037 posts

151 months

Yesterday (17:29)
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I've found similar - to re core a Bristol rad - it's not a complex operation

£1,000+ quotes

theadman

752 posts

187 months

Yesterday (19:17)
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Just a word of warning from my own experience.

Chasing an inexpensive recore can cost more than you think. Most cores are now made in China and many are made to a poor standard.

I went through two cores that didn't work as the water passages were too small. One of these was supplied by a well known company in the South West, so not a 'back street' outfit.

It's worth asking where the cores come from and if it's China, ask whether the company you are dealing with have them made to their own specification or take them off the shelf. Personally, I'd now avoid any Chinese core that is 'off the shelf'.

After my bad experience, I was told to speak to Radtec in Cannock who were brilliant. I've now bought two radiators from them and would recommend their products. A little bit more expensive maybe, but a whole lot better.

Hope that helps.

droopsnoot

14,740 posts

272 months

I tried to get a radiator re-cored for one of my Vauxhalls, it would only have saved about £50 over having a new alloy radiator built from scratch using my old one as a pattern.

SJR

650 posts

231 months

I have used and recommend Aaron Radiators. Quick turnaround and UK made standard or updated cores.

https://www.aaronradiator.co.uk/vintage-car-radiat...

Worth giving them a call to discuss

SimonE12

3 posts

31 months

Coolex located in Arnold, Nottingham - they renewed my Elan Sprint rad - highly recommend them.