VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Is it the wrong Grille Shell??

I got my new brassworks radiator for my '31 Chevrolet. My '31 previously had a 1930 or so radiator because it had the threaded neck. When I went to install the new radiator in the shell it didn't want to fit well. The shell isn't wide enough at the top. When I tried to install the shell and radiator as a unit into the car there isn't enough room between the radiator and the shell for the starter-crank-guide (the little piece of metal that sticks up from cross-member to guide the crank handle)to side in between. I think it may be possible that I have a 1930 grill shell.

Are there any discernible differences between the 1930 and 1931 grill shells, or how could I tell if my grill shell is not a '31?

Thanks,

There are a couple of noticeable differences between '30 and '31 radiator shells. First there are only two holes in the '30 for headlight wires. '31 has two headlight wire holes and additional one on the drivers side for the horn wire. Second the top of the radiator shell for a '30 is straight across except for the center where the emblem extends downward. The '31 has a slight arc at the top of the radiator shell opening. There are a few others but those two are relatively easily recognized.

Thanks again for the info. My shell has the 3 holes, and the 3rd hole appears to be original. I have the radiator in it shell and grill guard on right now in the dark garage so I'll have to double check tomorrow but there appears to be a slight arc in the top of the grill opening. I'm very confused as to what could be the problem here. Hopefully I can post some pictures soon..

Then there are the two small holes in the bottom front to attach the lower part of the shell assembly in the '31. The '30 does not have those holes as it has the cow catcher front apron.

If your radiator shell turns out to be the correct one, then possibly your new radiator is the wrong size for your radiator shell.

The majority of recored radiators I have gotten have been a TIGHT fit inside the support. Most of the original honeycomb radiators must be tapped out of the support.

The new Honeycomb radiator that I bought from the Filling Station fit into my radiator shell perfectly.

My previous radiator had been a very tight fit, so when I tried to push this one in place it caused the corners of the new radiator, which are very sharp, to put small dents in my shell. I took several photos. I am very confident that with the information given here I have the correct '31 grill shell, albeit now somewhat damaged, but perhaps someone's keen eye might see a problem.











Here is a picture of the radiator installed in the shell, or at least as "installed" as I could get it...



Here is a picture of one of the top corners. You can see how it is gouging into the metal and the radiator is too wide to fit




This is the crank handle guide...


That is supposed to go between the grill shell and the radiator, but as you can see here, there is no room for it to fit.

And finally, the radiator outside of the shell




The top edges of the radiator are a little over 18 1/4 inches wide. Does anyone have an original radiator out of the car they could measure?


I realize the overflow tube is on the wrong side. I'm not sure why this is. Also, the drain petcock was already very rusty.

Looks like you have the correct radiator shell for your 1931.

The original radiator and the replacement radiator that I purchased from the Filling Station both fit in my shell like a dream. They went right into the shell with absolutely no problem. And, my radiator shell had been repaired and restored to show quality prior to installing the new Honeycomb radiator from the Filling Station and it still fit into the radiator shell perfectly.

Did you purchase a "radiator" or a "radiator core" from the Filling Station?

A radiator core. The core was the exact same size as the original radiator core and that is why it fit so nicely in my original radiator shell.

Hello Vetteman61,
It appears that there are too many issues with your new radiator to try and modify to make it work. Can you take photos of both radiators side by side to show the differences? Brassworks may have sent you the wrong item. Are there any part numbers on the new radiator to verify that it's what Brassworks lists as fitting the 1931 Chevy? If your old radiator's top and bottom tanks are still good, maybe getting a new core would be a better option. That way, you can retain the 1930 Motometer cap. Let us know how it all works out.

I measured my spare Harrison 1931 Radiator core as 17.5" outside dimension at top, about 3/4" narrower than yours. Also, at the top the tank corners are rounded to similar profile as rad shell. So the one you have is just not a good match, likely core is too wide and too tall. I will post a photo to the left showing my original harrison and a NORS which came with my car. Interestingly, the stubby neck on this Harrison does not suit my rad shell, too short. but that's another story.

From looking at the photo with 18-1/4" measurement the profile of the top goes from a smooth contour then juts out by 3/8" to equal the 3/4" difference. It sure looks like the wrong core was used. I would suggest you contact the vendor if you have not done so already. They have a very good reputation so I think that they will be co-operative in resolving the matter.

I agree. It is obvious that you have the wrong radiator and you should contact the vendor about your problem.

Looking at the photos of the replacement radiator, it appears the corners touching the grille corners are not an integral part of the radiator and might possibly be trimmed back without altering the utility of the fins of the radiator. Would likely pose a problem to return though. Thanks

Also the bottom piece may re drilled and lowered to allow for more room at top. Thanks

When you pay good money for a product and don't get what you expect the best thing to do is contact the seller.

I agree. I contacted Brassworks while at work today and they asked me to email them pictures. Does anyone have a picture of an original radiator?

Gunsmoke has posted a couple of photos in the members photos section.

I also measured my 1931 radiator that I have in stock today and it too measures 17.5" outside dimension at the top and also the same across the middle of the radiator as well.

I'm sorry, I missed several posts in the middle, including Gunsmoke's where he mentioned he was posting a photo. I'm about to email them some photos and I'll also had the picture Gunsmoke added.

Thanks everyone, I'll let you know when I get something back

I just got the radiator back and installed. It fit in the grill shell perfectly from what I can tell.

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