I have recently purchased a new radiator since although the current one has not failed, it has curved at the bottom and I figure it won't be too long before a leak occurs. What I am going to do is reinforce the new radiator by placing aluminium bar top and bottom of the radiator core and a strut length ways to try and prevent this happening again. I will use zinc-alloy brazing to attach the various aluminium bar and plate, since the zinc-alloy melts at 400°c and should provide a suitable and strong filler. Not going to TIG since I am a beginner at that. Wish me luck, I will work on the radiator around Xmas time and install it when the weather is warmer and will post pictures.

Interesting. My radiator failed before Christmas and I found that the bottom of the old one had bowed downwards (over a centimeter in the middle) but there was a kseal-resisting leak.

(The leak would seal, then blow again a few days later, then blow again).

Messy job but the new radiator is holding up well.

hi

yes noticed it myself, the top and lower rails have a designed split in them

I think its there for if you have a slight bump, it allows the radiator to bend without splitting

will give it a bit more strenght

cheers

Joe

The reinforcement has been completed, I am going to fit it when the weather's warmer. As for 'designed splits' I think it is only part built - now all the extra metal is on I can sit on the radiator now.