MTFCA Forum

Hello,

I’m purchasing a new brass radiator for the 13T this week. Plan on getting the flat tube design as I won’t ever be entering the 13T for judging and it’ll be running on some hot Georgia summer days. I currently order 100% of my parts from Lang’s; however, for such an important purchase I would like to ensure I get the highest quality radiator from the best vendor. Not saying Lang’s isn’t that company... but wanted to check with y’all.

Are brass radiators almost like T tires, basically the same manufacturer so it doesn’t really matter where or who you order them from? Or is there a variety of manufacturers and are any known for better craftsmanship?

Thank you for your time,
Darin

All brass Model T radiators are built by Brassworks.

https://thebrassworks.net/

If you get them from somewhere else they are likely just drop shipping them from one of these companies.

Dan, Bergs do make good quality black radiators. However, Brassworks also make them and theirs are more authentic looking, if you get one over which the shell will fit.

Allan from down under.

Right you are, Brassworks also makes black radiators.

Perfect, figured that might be the case. Thank you for the replies, gentlemen.

Darin

Instead of buying a new radiator for my 1915 I had the original recored, for three reasons. Most important to me was that I got to keep the original appearance. The new ones are not made the same. A secondary reason, but also significant, was saving a few hundred dollars. The third reason was second hand. I have no personal experience to back it up. But I have seen forum posts griping about the new radiators not surviving well on cars that get driven, and my car gets driven. I've had to patch up the tank on my original, but it doesn't look bad for 105 years old, and the recore solved the overheating problem.


PS: If you stick on a Ford logo don't use brass wire.

Steve, great method. I agree, if your tanks are good, maintain the originality. Hard to find good shoes to record in today's world, but I am sure they are out there!

Steve
Whom did you get to record your original tanks?

Brass radiators look good to those who don't know real original radiators, and the Brassworks doesn't. They have modified the way Ford assembeled radiators to suit their own purpose, which is wrong. The original Brassworks almost did it right, but didn't rivet the side panels to the top tank. I wish that people who make reproduction parts would learn to do thing correctly, and not the way they want to!

My recore was done by Tom Nolte. He did a radiator for Rob's Model K, so I sent mine to him.

TOM’S RADIATOR SERVICE
2341 184th Road
Sabetha
KS 66534
(785) 284-2080
tomnolte@sbcglobal.net

just curious, Why not use brass wire to attach Ford logo?

I've had my new Brassworks round tube radiator for 5 years now with no problems. New round tube radiators cool just fine.

Andy

Why not use brass wire to attach Ford logo?

It wears out and the logo falls off.

I may have experienced a unique effect with a Brass Works radiator. I found that I can not use a motor meter and "wings" on their radiator. The wind and vibration seem to open up the neck seal. I had this happen twice, "sending it back for repair each time". I switched to a dog bone and have not had the problem in seven or more years. I think the brass is not as strong if I can use that term. I once thought it may be thinner but I was told emphatically by several on this forum that I was wrong. Their has to be a reason!!!! Dick C.

Dick, does your rad just have the neck with no rivets?
Cause that is definitely a major cause of the neck coming loose.
I have a '13 with the riveted neck and the gull wing moto-meter and so far have had no problems. Fingers crossed.

Tim, I have a 12 hack. It had three rivets but did not hold enough and the solder broke loose. I have heard of others that had the same problem. It doesn't really bother me now that I'm over the cost of fixing. The dog bone is period and looks good. I have a 16 beater that has an original radiator and I'm planning on using the wings on that. Don't expect a problem.