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Radiator top bracket repair

PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:05 pm
by xvracer
The top bracket of my radiator has disconnected on one end. Just wondering if anyone has similar issue and how it was repaired. It looks like I could solder it back together, but would question the strength. If it's a braze repair I'll have a radiator shop do it.

Re: Radiator top bracket repair

PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 9:08 pm
by markfick
Over the years I have had the same issue on various radiators in our class and took it to a reputable rad shop.

Re: Radiator top bracket repair

PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 10:18 pm
by JBPDXOR
JB weld worked for us.

Re: Radiator top bracket repair

PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 9:58 am
by breton
Torch and solder (needs to be dry...)

Re: Radiator top bracket repair

PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 9:44 pm
by xvracer
I found a local shop in E. Hartford CT. the "Radiator Hospital". I walked in with the radiator under my arm and from 15 ft away the owner looks up and says "Subaru?" I knew I found "The Man". He stopped what he was doing, looked at my job and took care of it on the spot! 20 minutes & $25 I was out of there. All he does is radiators (for 40 years, got the shop from his Dad). He had to show me the 1911 Model T & 1923 Model A radiators he had in queue. Old school craftsman.

Re: Radiator top bracket repair

PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 10:46 pm
by Ed Cavalier
I hope you showed him a pic of your "Subaru" :-)

Re: Radiator top bracket repair

PostPosted: Thu Apr 27, 2017 6:11 pm
by Racer X
xvracer wrote: I walked in with the radiator under my arm and from 15 ft away the owner looks up and says "Subaru?"


I'm not gonna lie, that's quite, quite impressive. Now if he'd called you a 'brat' I'd have sent him a case of beer straight away... :D

Re: Radiator top bracket repair

PostPosted: Sun Aug 06, 2017 12:34 pm
by brichardson
I agree with Bob B. solder it.
You can use the same tools and materials used to solder copper pipe and you can get them at any hardware store. You will need a propane torch, some solder, and some flux. First clean (with cloth sandpaper) then apply flux to the joint. Then, use a long clamp or a friend to force the parts into the correct position. Fire up the torch and get it hot while applying the solder and as soon as the parts get hot enough the solder will flow in between the two parts. Remove the heat and let it cool.