Radiator arrived..damaged?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 153
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From: Cecil County Maryland
Radiator arrived..damaged?
My new radiator arrived. Right in the middle of the core, on one side, there is a small area that looks like it is "crushed". There doesn't appear to be a hole. Should this be a real concern? Looks like it was damaged during shipping. I cant post pictures on the forum yet, wish I could, but I wanted to replace this radiator on Monday. Help.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 2
From: Ft.Worth Texas
If it is still FLAT and not bowed at all and only the fins are bent I would call the supplier first thing and see what they say. Maybe you can send them a photo. I wouldn't be afraid of straighting a few fins. If you know an AC guy he will have a comb to straighten them out. If it is bent or if the frame is bent you should send it back.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Cecil County Maryland
OK, so its about a one inch by one inch area where the fins are crushed, or folded in. Can I install it as is and be done with it? Wish I can post a picture, I just paid the supporting member fee but am not able to attach a pic yet.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio TX
Originally Posted by Joes80
OK, so its about a one inch by one inch area where the fins are crushed, or folded in. Can I install it as is and be done with it? Wish I can post a picture, I just paid the supporting member fee but am not able to attach a pic yet.
You can easily straighten them yourself. If you can go to an HVAC wholesale supply house, they have plastic combs that are specifically designed for the purpose. It's called a fin comb. Should be well under $10.00. You can also do without the tool. You could use just about anything that's about the width of the gap and just run it between the bent fins.
Check to make sure that the tube running through the fins is not bent or damaged. THAT can really reduce the efficiency of the radiator.
On the other hand, you paid good money for it. If you can wait a few days while they order a new one, go for it.
Just realize that you are probably going to bend a few while your are putting it in anyway!
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: san diego ca
Originally Posted by Joes80
My new radiator arrived. Right in the middle of the core, on one side, there is a small area that looks like it is "crushed". There doesn't appear to be a hole. Should this be a real concern? Looks like it was damaged during shipping. I cant post pictures on the forum yet, wish I could, but I wanted to replace this radiator on Monday. Help.
I've done this with "pins" on electronic equipment...much more delicate than your radiator.
BTW, a bit OT, but where did you order from, and what specifically for the rad.? (I'm about to do the same!)
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 5
From: South of London, Engerland
Originally Posted by johnnybrewmeister
BTW, a bit OT, but where did you order from, and what specifically for the rad.? (I'm about to do the same!)
Click for eBay profile
His rads seem as good as any other and his communication is excellent. Prices are good too. Hope this helps.
(For testimonials, see this thread on our UK club website.)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 153
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From: Cecil County Maryland
Originally Posted by johnnybrewmeister
Just try straightening the fins.
I've done this with "pins" on electronic equipment...much more delicate than your radiator.
BTW, a bit OT, but where did you order from, and what specifically for the rad.? (I'm about to do the same!)
I've done this with "pins" on electronic equipment...much more delicate than your radiator.
BTW, a bit OT, but where did you order from, and what specifically for the rad.? (I'm about to do the same!)
The guy that welded my exhaust said to try 1800radiators, he said he did business with them in the past, with a positive experience. I figured I would give them a shot since I was not going with a heavy duty aluminum. I guess I will see tomorrow when I call customer service to discuss the damage. I don't think it is a big deal, only cosmetically, but want to see what they say just in case it leaks after the install.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Cecil County Maryland
Glad someone asked about posting pictures.....didn't realize there was a photobucket.......
This is a pic of radiator damage....is it a big deal?
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j2...7/100_0386.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j2...7/100_0387.jpg
This is a pic of radiator damage....is it a big deal?
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j2...7/100_0386.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j2...7/100_0387.jpg
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the World
Here you go Joe
Looks like the tubes have some damage, bent not broken. Rad will work OK but for cosmetics, see what the manufacturer says
Looks like the tubes have some damage, bent not broken. Rad will work OK but for cosmetics, see what the manufacturer says
Last edited by RHD '68 L89; May 14, 2006 at 05:37 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 153
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From: Cecil County Maryland
Thank you guys so much, I gotta call them tomorrow and get this squared away. I will keep you guys informed.
Also, since I am new to this forum I am gonna have a ton of questions, hope you guys don't mind. I have a lot of little projects planned ofor my first Vette.
Joe
Also, since I am new to this forum I am gonna have a ton of questions, hope you guys don't mind. I have a lot of little projects planned ofor my first Vette.
Joe