Dilemma one: I have a brand new (old stock) Walker ‘32 radiator. Unfortunately it’s stock height. And, as you know that doesn’t work with a A-body on ‘32 rails. It sits about 2- 2.5”s too high. So, I need to shorten the core. Yes I realize the intensive labour this will bring but I’m up for the challenge. I don’t have access to one that (just fits) or the money to do a Re-core so those comments are not necessary. What I’m looking for is some photos of maybe the process? Or header plates that attach to the tubes? or just general advice to follow by. Steps I’ve learned so far: 40/60 Solder Lots of flux cleanliness is next to godliness No burs Watch your heat Before I dive into this beautiful art of copper and br*** any last words?
I had a radiator shop remove the lower tank, then I cur 2" off the bottom of the core using a band saw. Took it back for re***embly.
Bandsaw seems to be the winner. It’s the process before and after I want to learn more about. Removing and re***embly of the header plate. might just have to roll the dice and go for it!
I'm thinking that it all depends on if you can find an old school radiator shop that is willing to do the work or put it back together. 45 years ago it was comon practice and a lot of shops had what ammounted to bulk radiator or heater cores that they cut to fit with a bandsaw. Now it is hard to find one that will take the tanks out, rod it out and solder the tanks back on. The process is going to include, removing the bottom plate, unsoldering and removing the bottom plate, cutting the core to the correct length and soldering the bottom plate and tank and shortened side plates back on.
The right one costs (1275 up). A guy putting together a 32 might want the one you have. https://theshopmag.com/news/johnson-hot-rod-shop-acquires-walker-radiator-works/ https://johnsonsradiatorworks.com/ At least consider before diving in. If you are going for it, every time I've seen it done they used a torch, had a big water tank to check and like a lot of professionals made it look easy. Here's a video of the factory. The big thing in your case is the header to the tubes.
They are about $3400 aus which is crazy! And a huge wait. I’m getting excited to work on the Roadster over the Christmas break- time to start the process. I’ll video it and figures crossed she works to keep the flathead humming!
Can't you make the header plate if you can't save the one from the radiator? It's "just" punched holes, so if you make a punch and die to the size of your tubes and punch away you can then resolder each tube to that plate then solder the plate to the tank. I've never done it, but that's how I would attempt it. I'm willing to see you try
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