VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1940 Master Deluxe Radiator

I just took my radiator to our local radiator shop for cleaning and repair. After boiling it out and testing it, they found it has multiple leaks about 4 inches downward (straight across where the old water sat for years and corroded it)from the top of the core. They said they could not repair it. I would like to use this original radiator but don't know who could fix it. Chev's of the 40's has 40 radiators for sale, but they don't have the original markings on the upper tank area. I'm doing the best I can to keep the car as original as possible. Any suggestions on which way to go, fix or replace, would be appreciated.
Thanks.

They should be able to re-core it. Everything surrounding the core would be original. If they say they can't re-core find another shop. You might try finding a different shop anyway. I just had a number of leaks in my '38's radiator repaired. The radiator construction should be very similar between a '38 and a '40. Re-coring was an option but he was able to fix the leaks it had. Look for an old shop that's been around for a while and has worked on these old style radiators in the past.

Re-coring with same style core would be the best way to keep original and perform as new. An NOS one might also be available with some searching. This is one part that certainly needs to perform right for your own enjoyment to be able to drive without overheating worries and I think is worth the expense to do right. Jim

Thanks for the advice.
I'll try to find another shop in my area that may be able to repair the leaks or recore it. I got the impression that the radiator shop I just used didn't want to mess with it.
I'm guessing recoring the radiator is better than buying a generic rebuild of the same radiator, as far as authenticity goes. Right now, I've got the nose off the 40 ready for engine pulling and rebuild. So, I'll have plenty of time to find the right folks to get the radiator repaired.
Thanks again. By the way, your 38 looks excellent!

Thank you. BTW keep it up, flattery will get you everywhere.

I might have a spare 40 Rad here someplace.. already boiled, cleaned, and checked.

Thanks for letting me know about your 40 radiator. I'll keep that in mind. Curt

got my 39 recored for about $ 325 . all new . frank

"I got the impression that the radiator shop I just used didn't want to mess with it."



The shop could have taken the top off and rodded the core and then reinstalled it.

The pin holes could have been fixed with a little graphite or Solder Seal.

Take to another shop. Only if the core is "rotten" do you need a new one.

I, also, have a couple of 40-41 radiators here. (They have different numbers but are the same, I believe). Let me know if you need one.

Good luck and let me know if I can help you.

Best,
Charlie

I didn't know the '40 & '41 radiators were interchangable. 'Really hadn't thought about it.

Interesting - -

Thanks

I had the radiator from my 51 1 Ton recored. Of course, everything fit correctly afterward. The advantage was that the new core had a greater cooling capacity. They couldn't get the right size from their usual supplier so they took a few days to find a supplier with the correct core.

From looking at my 38 Master, I would say that is a pretty crowded space and the rad seems rather small to me.

When radiators are re-cored, does the new core fit properly in the original housing? And, does the core look similar to the orginal, or completely different?
I wish I could repair the core myself. I don't know how much pressure is in these old tanks, but it can't much.
What are your thoughts on radiator repair products at the local parts shop? I've heard mostly bad reviews and that the stuff gets inside the engine and makes things worse.

If you look at a more modern core, the details of the fins etc look different. As far as size goes, all dimensions should be the same.

I would advise against any kind of additive to seal it up.

I had my 1940 Chevy radiator recored about 15 years ago. The radiator did an excellent job, it looked very professional. The only problem is that if you are going for VCCA Best of Show, the new radiator cores do not look exactly like the 1940 core. Function and cooling are excellent with the new cores! Exact look was ok but not an original design. I had my 40 coupe judged 8 times in Preservation Class and not one judge noticed the difference in the core. ( Or if they did, they just didn't ding me any deduction on points )
I since have found an NOS 1941 Chevy radiator which is currently installed and working great.

dtm

Excellent points, especially for judging events. I'll be considering all this excellent advice as things progress with my restoration. Many Thanks! Curt

The shop measures your old core and orders one that size.

How much do you want for your radiator? That's one of the things that was stolen from my car while it was stored in my mother's back yard.

I'm hoping to get started on putting it all back together soon.