74 NovaMan’s … Novas

[SuperBuickGuy]

Ignore Stiney - his cars don't run

actually, I bet your old radiator will be just fine.

[74NovaMan]

Greg - Thanks for the info. I got out the propane torch and solder tonight. Worked like a charm. In fact it almost seemed too easy, but maybe I'm just a little paranoid. I did run it up to operating temp and it held just fine. In the interest of covering my ass, I will likely take Stiney and my wife's counsel and buy a new rad before the tour.

[pintoboy77]

I went with copper instead of the aluminum my radiator guy says it's better if you have a leak it is easier to fix and it won't start leaking after a couple years in the cores like most aluminum ones do.

[74NovaMan]

It does seem like a risky proposition (not buying a new one) doesn't it? The next question is brass and copper original style or aluminum with elec fans? Now would certainly be the time for that would it not?

[STINEY]

ALWAYS listen to your wife telling you to buy car parts.

Just think of the repercussions if you do not heed her advice.....and it does pop. Probably right in the middle of OK, at 2:59 AM.

Wifes can be eerie that way.

Best get that new radiator.

[74NovaMan]

You may try useing silver solder instead of brass it takes less heat and is just as strong.

Do I use a propane torch for this approach?

On the other hand, my wife is telling me to buy a new radiator. She said something about how un-fun it would be to have it pop another leak in the middle of Oklahoma at 3:00 AM. Maybe I should listen to her.

[pintoboy77]

You may try useing silver solder instead of brass it takes less heat and is just as strong.

[74NovaMan]

I'd drain it........how long can it take to drain and refill?

It's not so much the time but the gallon of coolant I'll manage to spill no matter how careful I am. Any worries about the transmission fluid? The cooler is on that side down a bit from the filler neck.

[STINEY]

I'd drain it........how long can it take to drain and refill?

I do believe there is something about antifreeze being somewhat flammable as well.

[74NovaMan]

No work on the car this weekend. Here is a shot of the radiator leak. The radiator is in good shape otherwise. The only issue that I have had with it is that it the area around the filler neck flexes quite a bit when you take the cap off. I am betting that flexing is the cause of the crack. My first inclination is to fix it in place without draining it. I have an oxy/acetylene setup and should be able to braze it. Anyone see a reason not to do it that way?

[74NovaMan]

It runs! I had to replace a bad fuel pump and the radiator sprung a leak but it runs. Still to do before test drive:

Set TV cable
Shifter linkage
Lock-up wiring
Bleed brakes
Fix radiator

[novadriver]

I'll be looking for yours too. What are you running for a distributor?

I running a HEI with Accel coil on top. Had to dent the firewall just a little but it works and still clears 142 supercharger as well. And no one really notices the dents.

[74NovaMan]

Looking Good, I will be looking for it on the PT. I' ll be in the Green 74 Nova.

I'll be looking for yours too. What are you running for a distributor?

[novadriver]

Looking Good, I will be looking for it on the PT. I' ll be in the Green 74 Nova.

[74NovaMan]

Looks good! When are you leaving for TX Chris?

Our plan is to leave by 5pm on May 30 and be in Arlington before noon on Friday. How about you?