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Dear fellow members of a great brand DeSoto.
My DeSoto 1949 convertible coupe S13 has a leaking radiator. A small leak has been repaired, but after that a new leak appeared on the edge of the steel on top and the radiator .
A replacement will cost here about $2500 which for me is a lot of money. Does anybody know a solution for this issue? E.g. a new part that can be send to Europe? Or a member who has a good one as a spare?
I hope to hear from you
and wish you all a very happy weekend with all of your grate vehicles.
With kind regards
Jan Hermans
Hello Jan,
I posted this message in my reply to your convertible top question but it won't hurt to be here as well.
Regarding your radiator, I suggest trying a radiator stop leak product that is added to the coolant and circulates within the system. It coagulates at the leak and seals it. This method only works for small leaks and may not be a permanent solution but what I refer to as a "band-aid" approach. I personally have used the stuff upon more than one occasion with satisfactory results. The brand I used was call "Barr's Leak" and is very popular here in the states.
There are radiator shops here in the states that repair and re-core radiators. This makes for a like new radiator. I cannot fathom that there are not shops like these in your area or at least much closer than the USA. You need to check with restoration facilities nearby and see what they suggest.
"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
Hello Fred
Thank you for your answer. Yes I have used a stop leaking fluid. Helas, Probably the state of the radiator is either to porous or too big. Yes, you are right that there are here some firms (only a few though in Holland) who can repair the radiator. But because of the high prices I was looking for an alternative. But probably I have to dive a bit deeper in my wallet to pay the bill.
I have the car since 2 month and attended a oldtimer festival and guess what; Haha the car won the first overall price. So nothing but the best for this beautiful oldtimer.
with kind regards
jan
Hello Fred
Here I am again
I just found this on the internet; http://www.ebay.com/itm/1949-1950-1951- ... g~&vxp=mtr
and I will go to my car and see if the measurements are the same. I hope so, because than my radiator will be replaced by this ones
Fingers cross
with kind regards
Jan
Hi Jan,
Congratulations on your first place finish at your first car show. I know your car is a real beauty and in great condition. Keep us posted with your activities.
The replacement radiator you found on eBay looks great if it fits. It is made of aluminum so be sure you flush your system completely including the heater core and refill with a 50-50 mixture of water and antifreeze that is compatible with aluminum. This type of antifreeze is very common here in the states and hopefully it will be available in Holland.
I suggest a new thermostat at the same time and if the antifreeze does not contain water pump lube, put a bottle of that in at the same time you refill your cooling system.
Good luck!
"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
Hi Jan I'm restoring a 48 Desoto limo ,My radiator also leaked . I bought one of the after market ones on ebay as a temporary measure ,and I am holding onto my original for repairs. there were a few problems with fitment though , it was not as wide as mine so I had to make brackets using 2" Steele plate also the drain was in the middle front so I hade to notch the splash pan, and the top water neck was not quite the correct angle .But for the low price it worked out good for me, I'm able to run the car, Bill.
