I just discovered that my 1939 112 has a honeycomb radiator. I thought that most companies stopped using that style in the '20's. And, my 1933 Terraplane has a tube and fin radiator. Can anyone confirm that the honeycomb style of core is correct for the 1939 112 ?
I am not sure what you mean by a tube and fin radiator on your 33. Do you have an eight cylinder engine with the V radiator. The Terraplane six had a diamond core radiator.
The radiator on my '33 has a slight "V" shape to the front of it. What you are calling diamond core would be a honeycomb. I think the radiator in my '33 is original. It did at some time have slight front end damage, but not into the radiator that I know of.
The V shaped radiator was used on the 8 cylinder engines in 1933. I have never seen a radiator from a Terraplane 8, but I assumed the rod and fin design was more modern than this era.
As for the six cylinder engine there is a distinct difference between honeycomb and diamond core radiators. The honeycomb radiators had six sided holes whereas the diamond core has four sides making a diamond shape. See the attached pictures.
Tim Hubler or Matt Faust May be able to send you pictures. I think Matt is working on a 1933 Hudson 8 and Tim might have a 1@33 ET8. Pete Booz would also be a good source. Attached is a picture of the typical radiator repair on these old cores when they developed leaks.
Here's a closeup of the top of the 1933 Hudson Radiator. It has the Diamond pattern that David mentioned. I know I've thought of that as kind of a honeycomb pattern, but his description is really more accurate.
I have a 1942 De Soto club coupe which has a radiator with more of a honeycomb pattern. I don't think that was uncommon in cars until about 1949, then radiator design changed as the postwar cars changed, probably mainly as teh engines started to get bigger and needed cooling improvements.
This goes along with Mike's initial discussion -
I've got what I think are some late 1930's Hudson radiators in the upper floor of my storage shed. When I get a chance, I'll take some photos of them.
In the meantime, is there any way to tell the difference between a '37, '38, or '39 radiator? I see what appears to be a serial number (Model number?) just above the top inlet of the radiators - does that mean anything, as far as years or what they 'fit'?
Mike - Can you take & post some photos of the honeycomb of your radiator?
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