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TR parts and Triumph parts, TR bits, Triumph Car Spares and accessories are available for TR2, TR3, TR3A, TR4, TR4A, TR5, TR6, TR7, TR8, Spitfire and Stag and other TR models are available from British car spares and parts company LBCarCo.

Triumph Spitfire - Full width rads and other cooling issues

Has anyone used a full width radiator in a 1500? I see these are now available from Rimmer Bros and Canley Classics.

I assume they have a better cooling capacity than standard rads but would like to hear anyone elses experience for buying one.

There is a big price differenec between Canley Classics and Rimmer (£115 - £165 from memory). Does anyone know why or does anyone know any other, better priced/better quality suppliers?

I am also looking for good quality heater hoses that do not start perishing after a year or two and has anyone seen a good mounting arrangement for a cooling fan thermo switch?

The thermo switch supplied with the Kenlowe fan does not look very neat. I would like to fit a standard modern thermo switch - but these normally need a large diameter threaded orifice in the rad.
alex gandon

It could be the number of cooling rows, say a three row vs. a two row unit, or then it could just be a big price difference. Standard fitment for the wide units was a two row unit. As for the wide units, they were used on NA spec cars from 1976 through 1978(?). After that, the NA spec cars received a canted unit with an electric fan.

I fitted 1976 unit to my wife's 1975 1500 when we lived in Texas. It did help on those nasty 100+ (36C+) summer days. Even then, I thought that I should have had it recored to a three row.
SteveP

I purchased the Full width rad from Rimmers and did notice the engine ran a little cooler. However the new rad was taller than the old one, so when i shut the bonnet it put a nice dent where the rad cap goes. Had to cut the rad brackets on the chassis down about 1/2 an inch to get it to fit. Manganged to roll the dent out. Apparently the full width rad from Rimmers is just a Herald one.

I'd like to find some better quality hose's to. I purchased the full set from Rimmers when i got the rad (about 18 months ago) and they are already perishing
Graeme

This thread was discussed between 01/07/2003 and 10/07/2003

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