Replacing a Model T Radiator Inlet and Outlet

Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do a repair you don't really want to.  Such was the case with the "new" radiator someone had put on my 1923 Touring.  The inlet and outlet were covered in rust blobs and the top inlet was deteriorating.

Bottom outlet                                                                                           Bottom outle cleaned up

Snyders and Lang's handle radiator parts.  Here is a shot of the old and new beside each other.

Old and new outlet                                                                                   Old and new inlets

 
Inside of new inlet                                                                              Old and new outlets

Now, I heat the outlet and inlet and try and remove from the radiator housing.  What I didn't expect is fining rivets underneath the solder.  Some I was able to pull out after melting the solder off.  Others needed drilling out.

Heating the top inlet                                                                             Top inlet removed

Top with inlet removed

Now to do the same with the bottom outlet.

Outlet removed                                                                                     Bottom with outlet removed

Nasty lime deposits inside                                                                       New outlet before installation

Place the new outlet and inlet on the radiator body.  If you can align the rivet holes, do so.  Else drill new ones.  Using non-steel rivets (aluminum or brass), rivet the fittings to the body.  Next use a soldering iron and fill in all the voids with solder.  It does take a while to heat up the fixtures.  Tin the fixtures and radiator body.  Solder together.

Test for leaks by plugging the fixtures after filling the radiator with water.  Let sit overnight and look for leaks.

Replace on the car and you should be all set.

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