Re: Not Quite Overheating Spitfire

Hi Pete, The small radiator was introduced in the late 1960s, earlier cars having the full width 21 inch unit. The early pattern radiator is an excellent upgrade for a 1500, the small factory unit being completely inadequate for what is quite a hot running engine. I would suggest either fitting a secondhand full width radiator from an earlier Herald 1200 or 12/50 (pre

1967, later ones suffered from a small radiator like the Spitfire), or investing in a new full width radiator as these are now available for about 120 pounds with no exchange necessary. Cheers, Bill.

-- Rarebits4classics .......just what you've been looking for

PO Box 1232 Calne Wiltshire SN11 8WA United Kingdom

The new radiator will be a straight swap - the extra width of the mounting wings makes the overall width equal between both types. There may be a need to drop the height of the Herald radiator for bonnet clearance, but it won't be much as the radiators are very similar,width is identical. Cheers, Bill.

-- Rarebits4classics .......just what you've been looking for

PO Box 1232 Calne Wiltshire SN11 8WA United Kingdom

There are plenty of Radiator reconditioners who could re-core the rad with bigger cores. It's something Scimitar GTE owners tend to do for the same reason. You can also buy a temperature switch kit for the kenlow so it comes on automatically.

Canley Classics were knocking out the recored full width ones for less than £100 outright at Stafford - not sure if it was a show special or an everyday price - worth a call to them. Changing from narrow to full width is a 20 minute job if all pipes and clips are re-useable (I renewed all mine as a precaution, not expensive) No more overheating, no more leaking, no more beer money in pocket :-(

Funny you should mention that. I've just had to order a heat shield when I noticed it was missing. Haven't a clue why though. Were some models just not fitted with them or do people remove them for the fun of it? I'm going to replace the radiator as well so between those two things, I should hope it all works.

They were fitted only on the later models with waxstat carbs (since they contain a temperature sensitive element intended to compensate for air temprature in the intake, but located right by the exhaust manifold).

The usual reason the heat shields go missing is that they were made of an asbestos/paper type material that disintegrates at the slightest touch. Modern replacements are rather more robust.

Go anywhere but Moss, or Rimmers - unless you have surplus cash and want shot of it. Have a look at