MTFCA Forum

any idea why bergs high radiator is 70.00 higher than brassworks. philip

Processed brass and copper went though the roof. Just ordered some cartridge brass for some custom projects about had a heart attack.

Hank

how about scrap brass??? if it goes up maybe i can get rid of these old brass lamps.charley

Value Value

My high/black radiator from Bergs was VERY expensive.

That having been said, I'd happily pay more if I needed another one. It transformed my car. I don't think I could overheat it now if I tried.

Could it cost more because it's better?

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 06, 2020 11:56 am

Could it cost more because it's better?

That's just crazy talk.

I'm sorry and not being tongue in cheek!!!!

My own experience tells me Gery is the better choice. My words as to that conclusion...let me say it a different way...

Next time I need a black radiator, I'm not going to shop it, I'm calling Gery at Bergs...we'll spend 5 minutes on the phone, he'll ship it before he sees my check, it will fit, it will work, it will cool a whole lot more than even a NOS were one available. If something is off (like a neck placement jig was for a few he made) he fixes it lackey-split on his nickel...

Good enough for me!

I bought a new Brassworks radiator 2 years ago. I just installed it in my 26 coupe last weekend. It did take a long time to get, like maybe 3 months? The only issue with installation was a tight fit on the mounting feet. I was able to push it down on with a deep well socket around the mounting stud. But, I think that little issue was really caused by the new wood blocks from Lang's that I installed under the hood shelfs. Most of the holes were under sized. So, I drilled them just enough to allow the bolts to pass through. Hind sight, I should have drilled the hole a little bit loose. The better fix would be for the vendors to sell parts that are made correctly. The new radiator holds more fluid than the old one. I have driven it and checked the temperatures with an infrared thermometer. With the water inlet at the top of the radiator running at 200-220 degrees when warmed up, the bottom outlet is only around 80 degrees. I just checked it today again and got the same readings. The current temperature here is 36, last weekend it was in the 50's almost 60.

Scott C. wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 06, 2020 1:01 pm

It did take a long time to get, like maybe 3 months?

3 Months!? I've been waiting for 6 weeks for a Brassworks radiator. That's crazy.

It is annoying when a modern radiator is much less exspensive . A 8n Radiator less than 200 bucks. Made in china.
If they made T radiators over in china they would be in the 250 range and would be functional a plenty for most applications.

Well maybe a modern radiator is a lower price, but we're not talking about modern radiators here, are we? LOL
Truth is, we're in a "nich", not really THAT much demand, and for the most part, NO quantity of suppliers, so it's
that old "supply and demand" thing at work also.

I'm just glad we CAN get them! The day will come, we won't. Just like tires. When Vietnam quits, we're all srewed.

I bought a Bergs for my 24 Coupe and it works fine. No overheating and very well made. Brass works is a larger business and it seems like they could be faster but probably build radiators on an as sold basis. Don’t think Bergs or Brassworks has them going out the door by the dozens on a monthly basis so the price won’t be cheap and they probably don’t stock them but I could be wrong.
You can save maybe 2-300 if you have you old one recored and the sides and tanks are still in good shape. But that will depend if you can find a shop that will do it.

Scott C

I am betting that there was no problem with the radiator, but a problem with the frame. The front crossmember typically spreads and the bolt spacing gets too wide.

I got a low black flat tube radiator for my 1917 from Bergs. A friend picked it up at Hershey. My car has never once overheated, including on several 90 degree days at last year's Covered Bridge tour. Climbing long hills with four people....no problem. As the other Tim said, we're a very small market, thus the cost. In my opinion, a good radiator is the key to a cool running car and is worth the cost - I'm glad we can get them at all.

I just received my new Brassworks radiator ordered through Birdhaven Auto Parts. It took FOUR weeks and fit perfectly. Yes, it was expensive but that is the price of admission today.

Good deal that you got your radiator. Yes it’s true that we Model T folks have to pay to play.

Jeff Perkins wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 06, 2020 7:22 pm

I just received my new Brassworks radiator ordered through Birdhaven Auto Parts. It took FOUR weeks and fit perfectly. Yes, it was expensive but that is the price of admission today.

Four weeks? I ordered mine 6 weeks ago and I'm still waiting. Of course, Brassworks charged my credit card on day 1.

Brassworks shipped my radiator yesterday. Woot Woot!

I talked to Gery Tues and he had high radiators in stock. I sent a check and should get it next week. Most of the guys in my model A club have Berg's and always recommend them if someone is having overheating.
John

Having used both, the Berg's is a very well built radiator, for me only real thing is it isn't Ford design tanks, and he uses an available , but good, long neck casting for the upper inlet. That part is different, and have experienced hose connections to be more difficult because that neck is smaller dia. than the Ford design.

The Brassworks are real good too, and nice copy of the Ford in all the fitting details.

Haven't had any manufacturing or assembly defects with either radiator.

Both are USA made that is my plus, my Ford's like USA made parts!

Mark Nunn wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 06, 2020 8:14 pm

[quote=

Four weeks? I ordered mine 6 weeks ago and I'm still waiting. Of course, Brassworks charged my credit card on day 1.

Birdhaven did tell me six to eight weeks for delivery.
Mine was four weeks and Birdhaven did not charge me until it was delivered!
Same price as Brassworks too.

I guess I got real lucky. Last year I called Gery at Berg's and he told me there was one on the shelf looking at him. I told him I would take it and send him a check. I think I got my radiator before he got his check. Took less than a week.

Gery warned me not to put anything like a motometer on the radiator. Told me it will never overheat.

The following month I drove from Milwaukee to Minneapolis, and a month later from Milwaukee to Detroit. I am sold on Berg's.

I would also like to add I have purchased a radiator from Berg’s in the past and it was nothing short of perfect!

I have never had a Berg Radiator, but do have a Brassworks.
I also have used original, re-cored, and a mystery modern reproduction.
I too noticed the very competitive pricing between Berg and Brassworks.
Ford always had a primary supplier and a secondary supplier.
I'm glad that we still have the option of choosing where to spend our radiator dollars.

: ^ )

I have a Berg's radiator and it id excellent. I have no experience with Brassworks, but if I need another T radiator I will call Berg's. I agree with Steve Jelf.

George Mills wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 06, 2020 12:31 pm

I'm sorry and not being tongue in cheek!!!!

My own experience tells me Gery is the better choice. My words as to that conclusion...let me say it a different way...

Next time I need a black radiator, I'm not going to shop it, I'm calling Gery at Bergs...we'll spend 5 minutes on the phone, he'll ship it before he sees my check, it will fit, it will work, it will cool a whole lot more than even a NOS were one available. If something is off (like a neck placement jig was for a few he made) he fixes it lackey-split on his nickel...

Good enough for me!

I think you may end up spending more than five minutes George, but in a good way. I called Gery up last Summer to order a flat tube high radiator. We ended up talking a good length about my coupe, the speed parts it was equipped with, and just General Model T and car talk.

Re the 8N tractor comment, I bet there are more T's on the road needing radiators then 8N tractors.

I bought a new brassworks radiator for my 1930 model A they were made with the wrong lower fitting size for the hose, I am selling that radiator I replaced it with a bergs the car will run 20-30 degrees cooler with the Berg's. I will now put a new Bergs on my 27 Model t.