Header tank: Aluminium, brass or stainless steel?

[paydase]

Hi all,
A question that I keep wondering about is the preferred material for the header tank.
It is well known that the life duration of steel header tanks (the original material) is often short due to corrosion by the coolant, especially if the coolant is not replaced on a regular basis.

The first 3.8 cars had a mix of materials in the cooling circuit, which is not ideal regarding possible corrosion via electrochemical effects through the water/antifreeze liquid: Marston rad, engine head and water pump in alloy; engine block in cast iron, header tank in steel, brass thermostat, etc.
Brass/copper was increased substantially with the brass rad in the 4.2 cars, increasing the chemical interaction possibilities.

The question I am wondering for my 3.8 is, assuming that the rad would be a Marston look alike alloy rad, what should be the best material for the header tank to get the longest life?
Various options are offered, including alloy, brass and stainless steel.
I would tend to opt for aluminium, to decrease as much as possible electrochemical effects.
Any experience and opinions to share?

[DWW]

My steel tank developed perforations and leaks within the first two years after restoration from new (after market). Now my 3.8 lives happily with an Aluminium header tank.

[paydase]

Thank you Danny.
You confirm possible issues with refabricated steel tanks.

Your Cambridge Motor Sports tank is superb.
High price though and not the original look, more D-Type like and well in line with the engine head.

I have been looking for alloy header tanks with the same design than that of the original early header tank for my 61 OTS, but all the tanks proposed by the usuals are differing in a way or the other: incorrect design, thicker seams, etc.
Correct refabrications are only offered for later designs with the non corner exit pipe...
The Cambridge option would then be a nice alternative.

Also I see that apparently you have a brass radiator.
I however suppose that there are no issues of corrosion between such materials.
Have you considered the possibility of putting a (expensive) Marston look alike rad such as those offered by Radtec or NAR?

[1954Etype]

Serge, we are having the correct, early types made in Aluminium, Brass or Steel. PM me and I can let you have more details.

Angus

[paydase]

PM sent

[DWW]

To Angus - now you tell us

Yes I agree that is quite a deviation from the original look but reliability is a priority. I keep mine close to original in many respects but cooling, brakes, charging and gear box were essential for longevity and a pleasurable ownership.

[1954Etype]

Danny, sorry about that but this is a new initiative!. I have the same header tank on my car as yours and won’t be changing it.

[paydase]

That's an excellent initiative from Angus.
I am sure that a number of us will be interested.
Looking forward

[DWW]

[Jeremy]

Just don't buy the Terry's Jag stainless tank that looks like the original. I did, assuming it would last forever. After 2 years I started seeing a sticky little puddle on the garage floor. Found TJ tank had started leaking from a pinhole in one of the welded/brazed outlet joints. Looking closely I could see it was a poorly executed weld. Emailed TJs to alert them, noting that it was outside warranty, inviting their comments. No reply. Checked email address and sent chaser a couple of weeks later. No reply. Got the weld re-done by local specialist welder, resprayed tank. All good. A year passes. Find another sticky little puddle. This time it's another weld that has failed. Phoned TJs, left message with someone, nobody ever called back. Phoned Angus who put me on to Cambridge Autosports. Now I have their gorgeous blingy curvy tank (which I turned my nose up at in the early days) and TJs product has by now, hopefully, been recycled into something that's actually useful.
The leaks have stopped and I no longer have to keep getting on my knees to check for sticky little puddles before setting off. Simple joys.

[1954Etype]

I had the same problem as Jeremy with their tank.