Bristol 400 Radiator - Recore Or Modern Upgrade

[KTMsm]

I have a Bristol 400 which has a couple of radiator leaks

It's got a large brass header tank and an unreliable ball valve for pressure control

I called someone to do a brass recore but they said most upgrade to modern aluminum with a modern rad cap

Bearing in mind, it's going to be sold shortly, which is the best option ?

I've never been bothered about originality, I know I'm in a minority, but when the original design isn't very good ?

I'm tempted to do the recore but have a modern cap installed as a halfway house

[Turbobanana]

Firstly - nice problem to have! I love a Bristol.

Personally I'd go modern. My view is that I'd want to keep the car looking largely original in appearance but would happily accept modern internals for longevity. My GT6 has electronic ignition and a modern, high-torque starter, for example, but the recently-replaced headlights were chosen specifically for their authentic look.

I guess the only caveat would be if it's a concours contender, but even then you could ask to keep any old bits removed and include them for the buyer when it sells, in case they want to return it to original.

[aeropilot]

I'd go modern as well most likely, but keep the original and put it in the boot to hand over to the next owner (as they might prefer to return to original at a later date)

[TarquinMX5]

It's a difficult one but I think the two suggestions above are probably the best bet.

If it was mine and I was keeping it, I'd simply upgrade to the modern one to make it more reliable, however, if your only potential buyer turns out to be an 'original is best' person, keeping the old parts allows you to satisfy that aspect.

[Mellow Yellow]

I have a similar issue with my Gordon Keeble, had the rad re-cored five yrs ago and it now has a slight weep which needs attending to this Spring. I'm thinking Aluminium is the way to go, I just feel another re-core will leave me in the same postion in a few years. If I do get a new one made, the orginal will go on the shelf with the other "original" bits. So, does anyone have anyone they can recomend for custom built Ali rad? I'm in Sussex, local would be nice but quick turnaround important, don't really want it off the road for too long.

[KTMsm]

I called a few and most of them weren't very helpful with "how long is a piece of string" type pricing

I then called radtec racing who I remembered from my custom car days and they put me through to someone who was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

I don't know how their price compares because they are the only company who actually gave me one - £800 for a complete aluminium replacement

[Lotobear]

This company supply quite a few custom rads to classic Elan enthusiasts:

https://www.coolexperts.co.uk/motor-vehicles/

[Bob CD]

First of all, I would go for new but keep the old part just in case the new owner wants to upgrade. The new manufacturer will want to use the old rad as a guide anyway.

I note you're in Horsham. There's a company called Guildford Radiators in Cranleigh which is nice and close and they make car radiators in aluminium. I have been recommended them several times but haven't yet bitten the bullet so have no practical experience.

Alternatively, go for any motor sports fabricator for anything like this. They make bespoke lightweight bits all the time for their industry and there are plenty of old school fabricators in business to make these bits as Formula One has moved into carbon fibre etc. However, they are mainly in the Midlands where the F1 teams are based but there are certainly some in your area. Good luck, let us know how you get on.

[KTMsm]

We got it out today - what a PITA, had to remove the grille, fan, water pump and air filter

I thought it was just modern car designers who made things awkward

[V12 Migaloo]

I had the same dilemma about re-core my rad or buying new. In the end I got my 2 core original upgraded to 3 core with the sound knowledge that it would fit and work without issues. I went to Bagshot Radiator services, the old guy there, doesn't say much, been doing this for years.

[AMGSee55]

I would go for an upgrade tbh. I am not a Bristol owner but take an active interest in the small ads as I hope to aspire one day! I get the impression that mods are quite common, so I doubt a potential owner would dismiss your car over a more efficient and reliable radiator.