Re: Radiator cores

[Simon Favre <simon@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I think you're getting a bum steer. I've never heard of crystallized solder.
Radiator cores are welded or brazed together so they can be soldered to the
top and bottom tanks without the tubes coming loose. If all that was wrong
with your radiators was bad solder, they could be unsoldered and resoldered.
This is normally what they do to rod out a plugged core.

Is the 750 radiator a different size from the 101? I had a 101 radiator
re-cored a while back, and not only did I get a core that fit the tanks, it
had a better style of fins that last longer than the original. The original
and standard fin arrangement for decades was to have the fins zig-zag
across the space between the tubes. This has a problem when the fins get
damaged, the tubes can split. The new style has fins that go straight across
the core, with the tubes going thru holes in the fins. This makes the fins
a lot stronger, and the tubes last longer. I had no problem getting a core
put into my radiator with the original side plates.

The best way to make sure the brackets line up with the car is to solder
them on in the car. The brackets can be tacked on with weak solder joints
then resoldered after bolting it in. The bottom ends can probably be done
first, then adjust the tops to line up with the brackets. Stress on the side
brackets is one way to guarantee continual radiator problems. (AMHIK) ;=(

I think you should take your radiators to another shop for a second opinion.
That's what you get for asking about Alfa radiators in Michigan. <g> The
old-timer probably wants to put a Detroit or Dearborn item in your car...

Peter Pleitner wrote:

>I have my two 750 Giuliettas (B & F) going together in Michigan.  Have been
>told by old-timer at radiator shop that the solder has crystallized.  New
>cores are needed.  Was told that no similar cores (tube/fins) are available,
>and no metric sizes.  In addition the closest fit in inches is about 2 mm
>too thick, so side panels don't fit (have to be made new).  Also was warned
>that a fixture to locate four mounting holes is required, otherwise rebuilt
>unit will probably not fit.

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