Repair or replace? (radiator Sprint)

[cleverusername]

Sigh it never rains but it pours. Just get the thermostat housing repaired, after the header pipe fell to bits and now I have discovered a rad leak as I fill up the coolant system.

So the question becomes should I repair or replace this rad? I have tried the Saab option and I could never get it to work properly, plus the dimensions of the things were a pain. So I would like to go original.

If the cost of repairing the core is roughly the same as a new one, I might as well go new.

Should I go alloy or bass? Does anyone have a used rad for sale?

[xvivalve]

I get mine repaired at GAT Radiators in Brierley Hill; the proprietor is an older guy and understands the needs of a Sprint compared to a Dolomite. It's a few years since I had one done, but from memory it was £165.00 plus VAT for a complete new core. From what I've seen, you could be adding £100+ on top for alloy. I've facilitated GAT radiators for other club members before as I have some core items here and I'm only 3 miles away from them, swapping for your old one on collection with payment either being reimbursement to me on collection or a card payment to them by 'phone before I collect

What condition are the frame and side tanks on your's? That might make the decision for you!

I may know of a good used Sprint rad, but am awaiting response from its owner...

[cleverusername]

I get mine repaired at GAT Radiators in Brierley Hill; the proprietor is an older guy and understands the needs of a Sprint compared to a Dolomite. It's a few years since I had one done, but from memory it was £165.00 plus VAT for a complete new core. From what I've seen, you could be adding £100+ on top for alloy. I've facilitated GAT radiators for other club members before as I have some core items here and I'm only 3 miles away from them, swapping for your old one on collection with payment either being reimbursement to me on collection or a card payment to them by 'phone before I collect

What condition are the frame and side tanks on your's? That might make the decision for you!

I may know of a good used Sprint rad, but am awaiting response from its owner...

The tanks seem OK and there aren't any holes in the frame but the frame is rusty on the inside.

Anyway thanks for the heads up, I might use the company you suggest but there is a firm locally that does such repairs. So I might try them first.

[B8WLY]

I went to Rouse Motorsport and got the alloy core version with the electric fan.

Superb bit of kit.

Will likely out see me. Expensive but quality.

Car never over heats, the fan cuts in when needed.

Richard.

[xvivalve]

Anyway thanks for the heads up, I might use the company you suggest but there is a firm locally that does such repairs. So I might try them first.

Make certain they know the difference between a Sprint rad and an 1850 rad; ask to see the core material they'll use. If it has a triangular matrix appearance, commonly used as a 'make do', walk away.

If it is vertical finned and you can see through it, walk away.

[yorkshire_spam]

The GAT radiators are excellent (worked superbly in our 1850), I currently have a radtec alloy rad, (The GAT supplied rad got damaged - my fault!) it cools well but the welds were too chunky for the factory standard brackets and some fettling was required. Ultimately I'll take my 2 spare rads to GAT and have them sorted.