Lugnut
Lugnut HalfDork
3/20/11 10:26 p.m.

I found out the radiator on the Sonett has a couple big leaks in it. I haven't had any luck finding another radiator, and I can't find a replacement aluminum radiator, either.

What's a bottom-dollar, say, Challenge-worthy, radiator solution for this car? I am not willing to spend the purchase price of the car on a radiator.

benzbaron
benzbaron HalfDork
3/20/11 10:55 p.m.

Can the radiator be recored? The radiator for my car is NLA so either a good used one or getting mine recored is the way to go. If the top and bottom tanks are good a recore will run around 300$. Good luck!

modernbeat
modernbeat HalfDork
3/20/11 11:11 p.m.

My pal might have one. We just parted out a Sonett to put the brakes on our '63 Bullnose. I'll PM you his info.

ditchdigger
ditchdigger HalfDork
3/20/11 11:50 p.m.

Dimensions of said radiator would help those of us not familiar with old Saabs.

Half core civic radiators are tiny and cool well. Can fit into most spaces with little work.

killerkane
killerkane Reader
3/21/11 12:01 a.m.

If you know a good welder they can build you a new one, but it does take some experience.

914Driver
914Driver SuperDork
3/21/11 6:05 a.m.

I had one recored for my '52 dodge truck. I gave the guy the frame and top and bottom tanks, he applied them to a 4-core radiator. Painted gloss black and rolling for $85.

Talk to a radiator shop.

Dan

SyntheticBlinkerFluid
SyntheticBlinkerFluid Reader
3/21/11 8:00 a.m.

Yeah, I'd talk to a couple radiator shops. They can usually recore for a reasonable price.

iceracer
iceracer Dork
3/21/11 9:35 a.m.

Check some of the SAAB sites. Some one there may have a spare.

Rob_Mopar
Rob_Mopar HalfDork
3/21/11 10:07 a.m.

What are the dimensions? Would something like a Scirocco radiator fit? They are popular with drag racers so there are bunches of "Scirocco style" aftermarket ones out there.

Lugnut
Lugnut HalfDork
3/21/11 10:15 a.m.

$85 for a re-core would be great. $300, no. I have $400 wrapped up in the whole thing and from what I read, I have $800 in glass and wheels on the car right now. If I have to spend more than $200 on the radiator, it gets parted.

ronholm
ronholm New Reader
3/21/11 11:50 a.m.

hit the pick and pull with a tape measure.. Like they said.. Start at the Civics.. Then the Vw's.. Maybe a Geo or two...

Post a picture with some dimensions..

porksboy
porksboy SuperDork
3/21/11 2:59 p.m.

Tell the local radiator shop it is a challenge car. The right shop might do it at a good price just for the opportunity to see it after.

spitfirebill
spitfirebill SuperDork
3/21/11 4:01 p.m.

I was quoted about $300 to recore a Spitfire radiator.

iceracer
iceracer Dork
3/21/11 5:48 p.m.

I bought a brand new radiator for my ZX2 for $150.

tr8todd
tr8todd Reader
3/21/11 7:20 p.m.

Go to Summits website and type in the dimensions. You will find something that you can make fit- be it a bit smaller, larger, taller, whatever. I get my aluminum rads there for my TR8s for less than $200. Takes and hour or so to make up some mounts for it, but it sure beats the $525 they want for one on the TR8 parts sites.

Lugnut
Lugnut HalfDork
4/5/11 10:25 a.m.

Ok, several weeks later, I finally made the time to get the radiator out and measured.

Width: 24"

Height: 14"

Thickness: 2"

Inlet: Driver side top

Outlet: Passenger side bottom

Fill: Passenger side top

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