mickeyw Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 The time has come for me to look for a new radiator for my Ninety. The cooling fins have seen better days and I'm not sure quite how clogged it may be internally. Does flushing really do any good? I am using the turbo D type with integral oil cooler. Where is a good place to buy a new rad from that won't fail in service 5 minutes after I've fitted it? ****part rads are not an option, as I know three people that have recently had new ones from them either spring a water leak, or leak oil into water, and subsequently cause other damage, such as head gasket failures. I would rather not buy genuine, as the prices are a bit extreme to say the least. I have thought about getting my existing one re-cored but I don't know if it would work out any cheaper than a new genuine item On the re-coring thought, are there other designs of core that are less easy to clog with mud/wash out easier? Any ideas please??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v8bertha Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Bearmach. Only a couple of quid more that a sh**part rad, all metal, it fits and it don't leak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgnas Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 I was quoted ~£120 for a recore just over a year ago. Was slightly cheaper than a new rad. However, took a chance on a 2nd hand one off ebay. Got it for £20 and it was brand new. If there is nothing else wrong with it, I'd go for a recore. At least that way you know it will fit back in the hole you took it from and has the right adaptors for the oil cooler pipes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBMUD Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Guildford radiators in Cranleigh. Did a splendid job on mine, not as cheap as a cheap pattern one but excellent quality and 24h turnaround IIRC. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Wessex Radiators at Lowford, made my custom one for me and I'm dead chuffed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmgemini Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Why buy a new radiator ? What's wrong with getting the one you have re-cored ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rusty_wingnut Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 The britpart one in mine is spot on, even has a brass plug for bleeding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orange Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 I recently had my rad re-cored. It was about £30 cheaper than a new unit from Bearmach and meant I could specify how I wanted the core rebuilt. I asked for slightly deeper with wider fin spacing to make it easier to clean, yet still provide the necessary cooling capacity/surface area. I got what I asked for all fitted into the original frame with the existing tanks. Apart from having to clean the threads for the oil pipes, it was spot on. I have also bought Bearmach rads before and have had no issues with them. The company I used to do the recore are called Radicool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 I did the same as Orange - albeit custom as my rad is a strange size. Went for the fattest core they could fit in, with the widest fin spacing. It never clogs and the truck is overcooled if anything - the fans only come on full speed if you do donuts in low-box Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgnas Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 This is who I tried I think I got the link through a vintage vehicle restorer, which I hoped would translate to good workmanship. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Another vote for Wessex Radiators in Lowford. The re-cored one cost me about the same price as a Britpart one, but I know that I got something of much better quality. It's a proper old-fashioned business that been in the same shed for about 200 years, with ancient soldering irons everywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonb Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Another thumbs up for Wessex from me as well. Old shed, bloke and his m8, top work. They had the core on the shelf, I dropped it in mid morning, it was done by 3pm, even with fresh paint all over. Cheaper than getting a new one. I have another spare 300TDi rad in the garage which will be going to them for the same treatment sometime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LR90 Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 ^^^^ and another vote for Wessex Radiators. Got a nice wide spaced core in mine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRecklessEngineer Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 I drive past Wessex radiators almost every day. It looks the business - proper chap in a shed place. I fully intend to get a custom rad made when I've got some cash kicking around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeyw Posted April 9, 2010 Author Share Posted April 9, 2010 Thanks to you all. I was already thinking towards something like Orange had done. It certainly looks the way to go to save constantly having to wash the fins after every day out. With so many recommemdations I might have to arrange a day out in Southampton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BogMonster Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 I have a Bearmach one in my 110, very well made and I am happy with it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fozsug Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 Got an Alisport extra duty one, superb quality, great cooling, good fin spacing, and got bling as well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrRob Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 I drive past Wessex radiators almost every day. It looks the business - proper chap in a shed place. I fully intend to get a custom rad made when I've got some cash kicking around. I've heard lots of good feedback from the Lowford guys too... That's one hell of a commute from Bristol/Taunton to our neck of the woods! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaDi90Hybrid Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 This is who I tried I think I got the link through a vintage vehicle restorer, which I hoped would translate to good workmanship. Ah Bagshot rads, they're back are they? Thought they sold up to serk-marston. Always used to use them for truck radiators in my old job! They always used to be the best in the area, glad they are back, I will be giving them a call soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUYZER90 Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 Just fitted a bearmach to my 90 TDI with no issues, well made to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petethepilot Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 My radiator decided to give up on late Friday night and I had to leave for a journey with my 110Td5 early Saturday morning. All I could get at that time was Allmakes cheapest aluminium/plastic rad. I thought that what the heck, I´ll put it on and buy a decent one when it begins to show marks of giving up. Well, it´s over two years and 35 000km´s ago, and still like new! And they throw a lot of salt on the roads at wintertime in here! So I´m very surprised and satisfied for that cheap deal... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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