Patrick MkIV 0 Posted July 10, 2011 The rad popped on my Mk4 the other day (not too bad). Only a slow leak really, topped it up with water and the temp gauge was only coming up to half way as I got home (3 miles). I took it off, and its now being soldered up by Bagshot Rads, and hopefully will be ready to collect tomorrow. When I mount it again, I'm going to put some rubber bushes / washers to try and give it a bit of shock resistance to prevent the brittle metal fractureing around the joints again... , Anyway, my problem is I shut the bonnet with the rad cap on the slam panel, and now the bonnet is about an inch proud on the nearside, and the bonnetb is stuck closed. The last thing I want to do is cause any damage to the paintwork, or risk the bonnet getting warped out of shape. Any advice on what to do?? I won't have time to look at it til tomorrow, and I'm working this evening. Cheers, Patrick I did take a couple of pics, but photobucket is being difficult. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
R1.Andy 1 Posted July 10, 2011 is bagshot rads still there..?? with ur bonnet i think ur gonna have to push it down to work the release unless u can get to the gubbins and trick it open with a lever Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TIB3300 455 Posted July 10, 2011 its dubbled skinned at the front am sure so if you do press down to releave the tention you should be safe and not dint the bonnet skin its self :mellow: if not break the grill and go in that way . if its not a NOS grill that is :unsure: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the-ford-cortina.com 226 Posted July 10, 2011 get someone to push it down real hard whilst you try and knock the catch across with a very big long screwdriver or equivilant Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patrick MkIV 0 Posted July 11, 2011 Cheers, yes Bagshot Rads is still going- he is now in Odiham (and bloody hard to find). He thought I was after kit stuff when I showed him the Cortins Rad. I'll enlist my Dad's help tomorrow ( hopefully I got the day off...)- get him to push down while I pull the lever. The bonnet has sound deadening, so that should help us out... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nashy 4 Posted July 11, 2011 You will need to try to get the 'pin' that is attached to the bonnet & goes into the catch on the slam panel as straight as possible when You are releasing it as this will help it release easier. Good luck. :thumbup: Aaron. :cheers: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nashy 4 Posted July 12, 2011 I did take a couple of pics, but photobucket is being difficult. You can upload Photo's directly from Your PC if You use the 'Click To Attach Files' button below the box You type Your post in. You will probably have to re-size them first though as You only have a 250K upload limit for adding files. I Use 'IrfanView' to do this ... It's a FREE download as well :winner: I hope this is of some Use to You, Aaron. :cheers: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patrick MkIV 0 Posted July 12, 2011 Any News yet??? Ended up not having a day off after all, but do have one tomorrow. Should be alright, and hopefull my rad will be ready... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patrick MkIV 0 Posted July 13, 2011 The bonnet popped open nice and easy with just a bit of pressure applied over the catch. No harm done. The bad news was that one on the tubes on the rad was split and unrepairable, so I am having the rad recored, and using a triple instead of double cores. It didn't need any extra cooling capacity, but thought might as well. Should get it back in at the weekend. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nashy 4 Posted July 13, 2011 Glad to hear it came open OK without any damage. :thumbup: Sorry to hear about Your Rad, though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patrick MkIV 0 Posted July 16, 2011 Just thought I'd put some pics up. The problem was before I was using the wifi on the laptop in the drive and it was a bit far away from the router... :smashcomp: :smashcomp: :smashcomp: All opened up fine now though! No damage luckily. Got my recored rad back: He has put in a core with a higher density of tubes, and he has also taken out the pipe which was in the bottom for the automatic transmission fluid cooler, and sealed up the holes, so that will improve the flow. Total cost was £90 + VAT, which I think is pretty reasonable as there is quite a bit of work gone into it, and he sure knows his rads. If anyone needs his services, look here: http://www.bagshotradiatorservices.co.uk/ I'll be fitting it tomorrow after work. I'll give the cooling system a good flush through too. Then I think a visit to Mr Taylor may be in order to make sure the thermostats are set correctly for the different rad, and also a couple of other changes I'm thinking about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patrick MkIV 0 Posted July 18, 2011 New rad now in, and the cooling system flushed out with 2 part treatment. Satisfying job, but didn't really enjoy the near boiling water spurting out all over me arm (needed to do the flushes in rapid succession and get the job done befor I went to work...) Runs a little cooler now, and takes a bit longer to come up to temp. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
