Radiator reconditioning for R107?

[Miss Ellie]

At last service this summer it was suggested that the radiator on my 1984 SL500 could do with reconditioning - nothing serious but something to keep an eye on.

Any advice on who could do this please?

Thanks!

 

[RichardF]

Most large towns have a radiator recon outfit. Speak to the guys you trust with servicing see who they use. Which area are you in?

 

[kingdave]

Not sure where you are, but I had a look into this recently and phoned round.

AARON RADIATOR – UK CAR RADIATOR WAREHOUSE – new and reconditioned
These guys are in Croydon and can do it.

I'm thinking I might get it done later in the year.

 

[Miss Ellie]

Thanks RichardF - I am based in the North of England with easy access to Manchester / Leeds / Sheffield.

 

[Miss Ellie]

Thanks kingdave

I will look into Aaron, also found another place in Luton that might fit the bill

Commercial Specialists

- tried to contact them by email but it bounced. Will keep a look out for others...

 

[kingdave]

There will definitely be places nearer to you than Luton or Croydon.

I had a quick google and found this one mentionned by people who'd used them on pistonheads.

Looks to be in Manchester.

http://www.classiccarwebsite.com/dixon-radiator-repairs

Would you be happy draining the system of coolant, removing the radiator and taking it to them? I'm not sure but I imagine the radiator specialists might not want to do the removal and refitting part. If you're not confident with that, you might find it easier to book your car into a decent merc independent garage.

 

[joecash]

At last service this summer it was suggested that the radiator on my 1984 SL500 could do with reconditioning - nothing serious but something to keep an eye on.

Any advice on who could do this please?

Thanks!

I am not saying or even intimating that your garage is dodgy - They said there was nothing serious, so what were their causes for concern? does the radiator look ok? does it do it's job in the heat of summer as well as winter? if you get satisfactory answers to these questions then I would be inclined "to let sleeping dog's lie"

 

[Miss Ellie]

Hello joecash

The car was last serviced at James Leigh (Indy Merc specialists) in Wimbledon the day after I bought her this summer) - as they know the car from the previous owner. Lee seemed very straight and helpful to me...

I cant remember the details but he reckoned that the radiator would need some attention over time.

The car itself runs fine but I did have a bit of a shock the first time when I saw the temperature gauge hit 120 (after around 7 mins of driving) before dropping quickly back to its usual 80 - 90 deg. I contacted the previous owner who told me that it had done that for the 3 years he had had the car and James Leigh confirmed it not to be a big issue... as long as the temperature dropped back to normal levels each time. Apparently V8's run hot and it must take some time for a sensor to kick on mine.

 

[Miss Ellie]

Thanks kingdave - kind of you to post that link I will certainly take a look. I would probably get this done at the next service and leave it for a few days for the radiator to be removed sympathetically, sent away and refitted.

 

[jaymanek]

Im pretty sure you could get a new one for not too much money.... Euro car parts etc.

 

[Miss Ellie]

I eventually got the radiator re-cored as part of an overhaul at Hilton & Moss - expensive at around 400 quid but I liked the idea of keeping the original part. Alternative options were a reconditioned radiator from The SL Shop for 370 quid or a new one via Aarron Radiators for a little under 300 (plastic end caps vs metal). We will see how long my wallet can take the 'original' option ...