Marston radiator advice sought

[peters3103]

Hi all,
I have the opportunity to buy an original, correct Marston radiator for my 61 3.8. It has been professionally, ultrasonically cleaned and pressure tested to 15psi and is cosmetically consistent with the rest of my engine bay - neat/driver. The asking price is AUD$900. The radiator specialist who cleaned it wouldn’t provide a guarantee as it’s a 50+ year old unit. My car is currently fitted with a later type copper core radiator which is starting to leak. I’m aware of the repro items available but obviously at a much higher price. Thoughts?

Cheers
Pete

[Heuer]

The Marston was not known for its reliability because of its complex design. For a concours car you may want to consider it but for a driver I would stay clear. Very few survive in working condition due to the construction of the finned side tanks. The reproductions from Fosseway etc are excellent as the side tanks are milled from aluminium.

[budmarston@aol.com]

I certainly agree with David Jones. Classic Showcase in Oceanside, California, which restored my concours 1961 E-type coupe, has tried to use original pressure-tested Marston radiators at customer request. Even though they held pressure before installation, all began to leak soon after being installed.

Bud Marston
Alexandria, Virginia - USA
885041

[cactusman]

Wise words from David and Bud. Use it if you are into concourse. Else get a modern copy. Mine is a Rad-Tec one. Works very well. Car stays cool as a cucumber and no leaks....Pretty close visually although probably not as perfect as the Fosseway one which is even more costly

[SEJohnson95]

My friend Richard has installed a Fosseway "Marston" radiator on his 62 3.8 FHC and has had no issues with cooling. Plus it looks amazing, a great piece of kit. It has only done a few thousand miles so far but nobody has reported any issues with them - not to my knowledge anyway.

(Yes, a thread on Marston radiators - I wasn't going to pass the opportunity to talk about them again! )