I want to make my own custom size aluminum radiator, is it possible? I can tig pretty good. Is there anywhere I can find cores to purchase? Again, is it even possible? Seems like it could be done but I can't say I've ever seen it....

 

It's totally possible, I intend to make one for my car as well and am trying to find a good core in the right size. It should be just like making an intercooler from a core.

I think I'm just going to find a good used rad in the right dimensions and cut the stock ends off. I'll try to find a good thick one of course.


allen

 

It is verry possiable. That's what I do for a living. Although we make our tanks out of brass but it's the same concept. When I go to work I'll see if I can get some contact info for the company that makes our cores.

 

Do you see any problems w/ cutting a few rows off of the top of a side-to-side flow radiator? I have a good radiator but want it a little shorter to fit under my radiator support.

thanks,
Fred

 

you'll be alright. Just watch you don't nick any of the tubes. They're kinda fragile

 

Certainly it can be done. I've built a few now, mainly for either race cars or street rods and I've also built one for my 4x4 here in Australia. The trick is to find a core in the suitable size and thickness you need. I'm lucky, here in Australia there are 2 manufacturers here which will build aluminium custom cores to whatever you like but they are pricey as a custom build. If you can, try and get a replacement core for those radiators which use plastic tanks and just use that core as a basis for a full aluminium radiator. That's what I've done on the pic below, it's actually an early Ford F100/Bronco core built up to suit my Nissan Patrol 4x4 here in Australia.
Oh, and one important thing, make sure that when you go to weld on the endtanks that you remove the "furnace brazing" from the header plate assembly. Either do this by sanding or filing it back to clean metal or you will find it a real problem to weld.
Regards Andrew.