|
FE Header tanks....
Need to make a decision on a header tank shortly.
I reckon the choices are New Stainless tank New Epoxy-covered black brass tank Kirkham ali tank Second hand tank (from ebay etc) Last one I'm discarding due to lots of stories of leaks. I like the Kirkham's mechanical design, but for my taste, its a little too box-like compared to the pressed brass OEM item. The stainless types arent cheap, and i beleive stand a little taller than the brass ones. I like the look of the original black brass tank, so would a brand new item be prone to leaking? My application is fast road use, maybe 1-2 track days per year. Otherwise reasonably gentle driving with son on the co-pilot's seat. Your thoughts? Kevin |
ebay ones leak
new black ones are made in china, the overflow nipple will break free after a while I got fed up and got a kirkham |
there is a reason why Ford only used those tanks for a short time...they are junk...
i spent 10 years working in a radiator shop and probably fixed at least 3 of those things a week every week i worked there...either do away with it or drop some cash and buy an aftermarket one...jmo... |
If you de-solder the tank, clean-up the joints and re-solder with 15% to 45% silver solder (like I did) you won't have any more leaks from your brass tank.
|
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d.../1_Large_1.JPG
Been in (my) service since the '80s-zero leaks. Don't know where it was before that. Just avoid overheating (240+). Undy is right if you buy used. |
thanks.
love the polished brass look of that tank Chas. any other comments from anyone? |
If you buy a new brass one in pieces and put it together for your configuration you've got $300 into parts. That turns into a $500 assembled and painted one. I would recommend the stainless one for $500 (I was quoted $789 for the same thing!) and if you want it black (or Ford blue) powdercoat it. You can get good used ones and as suggested clean them and use better solder than days of old. I would make them like the originals to beef up the neck where they always vibrate loose and leak.
|
Tip on stainless steel. Don't use chlorinated water in it. Chlorine does some chemical thing to stainless and makes tubing prone to cracking, based on experience at my place of work. City drinking water with Chlorine was proven to be causing our tubing failures.
|
Went with Kirkham and love it, nice fit good look and servicable. Plus David Kirkham was great to do business with.
David |
Quote:
Cobra Restorers also has them: http://www.cobrarestorers.com/ (search for "tank" and it will come up). I posted the link originally but it doesn't work to link directly to the product. |
One of the big reasons the old tanks fail is the radiator hose used. Ford, for example on the 64-66 Thunderbird FEs used a hose shaped like a Question mark (?) this allowed the hose to flex and take stress off the neck and body. Most aftermarket service hoses are "L" shaped and as the engine rocks it stresses the joints on the tank.
The right hose and higher quality solder will prevent most problems. |
| All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:26 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
The representations expressed are the representations and opinions of the clubcobra.com forum members and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of the site owners, moderators, Shelby American, any other replica manufacturer, Ford Motor Company. This website has been planned and developed by clubcobra.com and its forum members and should not be construed as being endorsed by Ford Motor Company, or Shelby American or any other manufacturer unless expressly noted by that entity. "Cobra" and the Cobra logo are registered trademarks for Ford Motor Co., Inc. clubcobra.com forum members agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyrighted material is owned by you. Although we do not and cannot review the messages posted and are not responsible for the content of any of these messages, we reserve the right to delete any message for any reason whatsoever. You remain solely responsible for the content of your messages, and you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless with respect to any claim based upon transmission of your message(s). Thank you for visiting clubcobra.com. For full policy documentation refer to the following link: