Replace radiator foam seals
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Wentzville MO
Replace radiator foam seals
I need to locate similar material to replace the foam sides of the radiator seals. Don't need a whole kit. Most of the local hardware stores don't have anything thick enough or dense. Any ideas?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
In the past, I have used the black foam covering for water pipes! You can get them from just about any brick and mortar "Plumbing" supply department (Home Depot, Lowes, etc) in a variety of sizes. The seam has adhesive - just pull the adhesive covering off and stick the seams together, then push the foam into the openings. It actually looks good if you "stuff" it in evenly and it seals great.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 289
From: Chardon Ohio
Here's an "off the wall" one for you! I do not like to "bubba" anything, but this works well as an alternative and is quite inexpensive!
In the past, I have used the black foam covering for water pipes! You can get them from just about any brick and mortar "Plumbing" supply department (Home Depot, Lowes, etc) in a variety of sizes. The seam has adhesive - just pull the adhesive covering off and stick the seams together, then push the foam into the openings. It actually looks good if you "stuff" it in evenly and it seals great.
In the past, I have used the black foam covering for water pipes! You can get them from just about any brick and mortar "Plumbing" supply department (Home Depot, Lowes, etc) in a variety of sizes. The seam has adhesive - just pull the adhesive covering off and stick the seams together, then push the foam into the openings. It actually looks good if you "stuff" it in evenly and it seals great.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,877
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
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I am trying the HVAC refrigerant line insulation...My guess it's it UV rated and should work better out in the elements. Why? Every house I've looked at that Bubba had worked on -used the standard pipe foam outside- and it was badly deteriorated. Granted the HVAC stuff cost almost 4 times the foam pipe- it's only an extra $6!!!
At the base of my radiator- I used some weatherstripping- off my BMW parts car- to fill the gap at the bottom. It's u channel -just pushed right on.
Before-
DSCN5097 by richardhayes454, on Flickr
After-
DSCN5098 by richardhayes454, on Flickr
At the base of my radiator- I used some weatherstripping- off my BMW parts car- to fill the gap at the bottom. It's u channel -just pushed right on.
Before-
DSCN5097 by richardhayes454, on FlickrAfter-
DSCN5098 by richardhayes454, on Flickr
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Danville Illinois
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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I got some foam sealing at Menards, they had 1",1 1/2" and 2" thick stuff. Worked pretty good.
