Hi, next up too be replaced is the radiator, it has damage as shown in photo

Looking for advise on the following

Replacement - aftermarket aluminium or original, cost could be an issue on the original

Can this radiator be repaired

Removing radiator do you need to remove the bonnet ?

Thanks again for any advise

 

Yes, that radiator looks like it can easily be recored. You should have radiator shops that can do this.

In the US, the cost for new aluminum, and repairing/recoring the original costs about the same. The repaired radiator would essentially be like new, so I recommend doing that.

If you decide to go down that route, you can also ask the shop to add a drain petcock, just make sure you mark the location while still in the car, so you know where there is room for one! I pit mine in the bottom passengers side corner...facing the engine, of course.

 

You don't need to remove the bonnet. The rad can be lifted with it in situ. I can't remember how I did mine, but if you do need more height clearance, just disconnect the springs clips and bonnet struts on the inner wings and open the bonnet higher and make sure it's supported.

Although you naturally need to remove all the hoses, I find it less messy to syphon most of the coolant out by inserting a thin tube in at the top right of the rad, down the right hand side and slowly syphon out 90% + of the coolant before removing the lower hose attachment.

Cheers

Paul

 

Great advice thank you

 

The OEM is a very robust brass radiator. Recoring it will guarantee a perfect fit! Adding the drain shouldn't cost much, if anything at all!