A number of years ago I did some research into the Honeycomb Radiator supply situation. After contacting a number of suppliers including one in New Zealand, I found out that at that time the only one making the honeycomb cores was in England and that all the other companies bought their cores from them. I contacted the Main Radiator company as well as "The Brassworks" in California who advised that our style used on most of our cars is called the "Auburn" style and they can be repaired or remade. I was quoted a price around $1,200 for a rebuild and costs going up from there if they could not use what they were provided. I'm sure the cost is more today. In talking with "The Brass Works" I found they have done several Durant product radiator restorations. I'm not sure about the Maine company and their work. I'm going to have to get mine rebuilt soon, so I'd be very interested in learning what you find out.
Where Are You From? Oviedo, Florida
Do You own a car built by Durant? 1928 Durant Model 65
I should of done this first, but,,,,,,,,,,,,,
So, from here I go to the ole You Tube and dial up "Honeycomb Radiator" and find this excellent video. http://www.ftrs.com.au/
Copy and drag this link for a great tutorial that may be of interest to us all!
Quite a process to make these for really a small market. Now I see why the repair is so expensive, but if ya want to be authentic then you gotta go back to the way it was made originally.
Where Are You From? Oviedo, Florida
Do You own a car built by Durant? 1928 Durant Model 65
Just had my 1923 Durant Star Car radiator rebuilt with a new Honeycomb core that came from England at The Brassworks in Paso Robles, this last November. They disassembled, fixed a dent in top tank, rebuilt the bottom tank, new honeycomb core and painted black for $1938.00 + $155.04 tax for a total of $2093.03. Now I live 2 hours away so I dropped off and picked up radiator so no shipping charges. They left the orginial drain out and gave it to me but recommended I use the new one they provided. WARNING....before you remove old radiator measure the space between the fan nut with cotter pin and the core. After doing mine they just might request it already..it is a long story. The core is ordered from England, is the Auburn style and they have to order it in millimeters and it is not the exact same width front to back as Durant's orginial core. If memory serves the 50mm fit mine but it is a finger width away from fan nut. I am very pleased with the work and the care taken and plan to use them again for a any future Vintage car rebuild. Another thing is when you get it to them and decide what is to be done it is put in in line and it may take longer to get to than getting the core from England and doing the work. They are one busy place.
Where Are You From? California
Do You own a car built by Durant? Yes 1923 Star Car from Oakland factory