C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

[Richard M.]

So I took a chance last week and walked out of the Daytona event with a 0916 radiator. I had it pressure tested(10lbs) at a local shop, and it has some issues as I somewhat expected but the $ was low. It's a service replacement(69F) with the later top outlet housing.
I got it because it looked good to me without major corrosion visible, except a few spots on the left tank which held true. As you can see in the photos 1,2,3, there 3 small holes it the left side tank. The shop said the core and right tank were fine and flow was fine. I poked at all other questionable areas with a pick and the rest appears ok.

I'd have to take it to a welding shop to have the spots aluminum welded, then retested. The rad shop tested it for free for me(nice shop) and said he'd retest for a few bucks if I get it welded.

What's the chance of it being ok based on your experiences with aluminum rads? I only have copper/brass experience. What would be a reasonable welding fee? Do you think this will be ok or should I cut my losses now and make it a wall hanging in my garage?


Thanks,
Rich Mozzetta #13499

[William C.]

Re: C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

Why weld? Hysol "Epoxy Patch has worked for me on Aluminum radiator side tanks for the last 35 years or so...

[William C.]

Re: C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

Why weld? Hysol "Epoxy Patch has worked for me on Aluminum radiator side tanks for the last 35 years or so...

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

Want another one? I've got a better one that I was going to throw out. 1974 date. Works great.

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

Want another one? I've got a better one that I was going to throw out. 1974 date. Works great.

[David H.]

Re: C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

Chris; I also have a 62 with the original radiator, with repairs to the finned area, with a new engine break in and 4k miles on it. I am in south LA and did cruisin the coast last month with no problems. I was worried however and am always expecting it to fail as the overflow pipe leaks very slightly when hot. I am looking forward to a new one to ease my mind. david

[David H.]

Re: C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

Chris; I also have a 62 with the original radiator, with repairs to the finned area, with a new engine break in and 4k miles on it. I am in south LA and did cruisin the coast last month with no problems. I was worried however and am always expecting it to fail as the overflow pipe leaks very slightly when hot. I am looking forward to a new one to ease my mind. david

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

Rich------

It depends what you're going to do with the car. If you're going to just trailer it to shows, this radiator will be fine after repair. If you're going to just drive it locally once-in-awhile, the radiator will be fine after repair. If you plan to go out on the highway on trips of significant distance, forget it. In the latter case, buy a new DeWitt's reproduction.

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

Rich------

It depends what you're going to do with the car. If you're going to just trailer it to shows, this radiator will be fine after repair. If you're going to just drive it locally once-in-awhile, the radiator will be fine after repair. If you plan to go out on the highway on trips of significant distance, forget it. In the latter case, buy a new DeWitt's reproduction.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

Joe & Gents....Was out all day shopping for plumbing & electrical my new garage. Thanks for the replies.

I decided to drop the radiator off at a tig welding shop while I was out this morning. They said it'll be min $20 to attempt the repairs, maybe $50 if they get it all. Depends on how thin the surrounding aluminum is. I think it's localized, we'll see. The'll call me if it's a nogo so I don't waste more money. I paid $90 for it so if I loose, another lesson learned in the pile.

Joe, You answered my question with the right questions. I really hadn't though it out yet, but yes I'm likely going to trailer the car when done. I'm keeping my 59 as my "never" trailer driver so the 62 will be a queenie after I'm finished. Arghh I'm going to need a trailer too! I haven't had the experience of completing AND owning a fully restored car so it'll be interesting exactly what I do with it but for now that's the plan. I'd like to show it as much as I can to learn the most possible, then who knows. I was looking at the Dewiit's site this morning before my post, and that's why I asked the question. Wow!$$$. Trying to justify the cost as my budget's getting worn down. That's a big chunk of it. Good thing about it is it'd be very correct visually with the right outlets and correctly dated. I'd loose some points on the repaired one but would save $ in return.

Bill, if the shop can't fix it, I may try the Hysol and get it retested. I've heard it works well so it may be worth a try. I'm a bit concerned about temp cycles and longevity though. You say 35 years? On the same repair or many repairs?

Chris, Thanks, I may take you up on your offer. I'll drop you a note.

Thanks to all for the advice, I'll repost when I get it back.
Rich

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

Joe & Gents....Was out all day shopping for plumbing & electrical my new garage. Thanks for the replies.

I decided to drop the radiator off at a tig welding shop while I was out this morning. They said it'll be min $20 to attempt the repairs, maybe $50 if they get it all. Depends on how thin the surrounding aluminum is. I think it's localized, we'll see. The'll call me if it's a nogo so I don't waste more money. I paid $90 for it so if I loose, another lesson learned in the pile.

Joe, You answered my question with the right questions. I really hadn't though it out yet, but yes I'm likely going to trailer the car when done. I'm keeping my 59 as my "never" trailer driver so the 62 will be a queenie after I'm finished. Arghh I'm going to need a trailer too! I haven't had the experience of completing AND owning a fully restored car so it'll be interesting exactly what I do with it but for now that's the plan. I'd like to show it as much as I can to learn the most possible, then who knows. I was looking at the Dewiit's site this morning before my post, and that's why I asked the question. Wow!$$$. Trying to justify the cost as my budget's getting worn down. That's a big chunk of it. Good thing about it is it'd be very correct visually with the right outlets and correctly dated. I'd loose some points on the repaired one but would save $ in return.

Bill, if the shop can't fix it, I may try the Hysol and get it retested. I've heard it works well so it may be worth a try. I'm a bit concerned about temp cycles and longevity though. You say 35 years? On the same repair or many repairs?

Chris, Thanks, I may take you up on your offer. I'll drop you a note.

Thanks to all for the advice, I'll repost when I get it back.
Rich

[John H.]

Re: C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

Rich -

That radiator is history - the holes are from the inside, not the outside, and many more will follow them. If you plan on driving your car, use that as a wall hanging. Tom DeWitt has a group purchase sale going right now over on CF - discounted prices and free shipping too.

[John H.]

Re: C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

Rich -

That radiator is history - the holes are from the inside, not the outside, and many more will follow them. If you plan on driving your car, use that as a wall hanging. Tom DeWitt has a group purchase sale going right now over on CF - discounted prices and free shipping too.

[David K.]

Re: C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

John, your right. I ordered mine for my '62 yesterday. I plan to drive mine though. I don't know how much, but at my age of even 54, if it lasts 30yrs. and gives me no problems and protects my original motor, my money was well spent. IMHO

[David K.]

Re: C1 '62 - Gambling on a 3150916 radiator ??

John, your right. I ordered mine for my '62 yesterday. I plan to drive mine though. I don't know how much, but at my age of even 54, if it lasts 30yrs. and gives me no problems and protects my original motor, my money was well spent. IMHO