What is the construction of factory 80 series radiators

[fester2au]

Guys it would appear that the factory radiators are plastic tanks and ally cores is that correct. With the paint all over mine it's hard to tell for sure but I see the tanks are crimped in place with a stainless crimping band but can't see if the core and end plates are ally or brass/copper.

My tanks whilst not leaking are looking a bit old so whilst I have it all apart (truck not radiator) I'm toying with welding on new bigger ally end tanks to give a little more capacity and also redesign a little to suit the shrouding I want to use for the Ford thermos. I don't however want to crack the seal to find I can't weld it in case I can't get them to reseal properly. Down the track I would look at makign a whole new radiator but for now I just want to do a bit of an experiment with the factory core if I can.

Anyone see any problems or benefits in going to a cross flow core in the original location when it comes to a new core.

[TheBigBoy]

If its got plastic top and bottom, its alloy core mate. Same if the mounting of it. If it has the 2 peice matal side mounts its factory plastic and alloy.

[fester2au]

Thanks, that's what I expected but just wante dto confirm before pulling apart. With 10 owners (slight exageration) worth of black paint on it it's hard to tell. I know the more modern radiators generally have the alloy end cap serated and pinched over to make seal, haven't worked on one that uses a stainless crimping band.