Solder Repair Classic Car Radiator Bracket(1)

Re-soldering the radiator bracket on our 1963 Dodge 330. This will apply to most older vehicles that have brass tanks with the steel mounting brackets that are soldered onto the brass tanks. Sorry my phone camera (Samsung Note 5) cut out in the middle of the project, I guess I need to invest in a camera or phone with expandable memory capabilities.

[@haroldneely9253]

I really like the idea of using the butane torch which by chance I do have. My repair is quite a bit smaller at the bottom tank joint. Getting it cleaned is going to be the most difficult part. The radiator itself I bought new about 5 years ago. But great video glad I found it.

[@hughmanetti1908]

Sorry for the length of this comment. Clean the surfaces like Mom is looking over your shoulder. Heat them up to temp to burn any weirdness and sand, wire brush for second time then wipe with a degreaser. Don't over heat the metal. Coat the mating surfaces with flux, squeeze bracket into position, wipe any gobs of flux away. Heat the area first until the FLUX FLOWS (it will smoke a LITTLE bit), and touch the solder to the joint. The solder should readily melt and get sucked into the joint (by the action of the flux). Back away with the torch as needed. Don't OVERHEAT the joint. After you load it up with solder like you ended the video, load up the flux brush with a bunch of flux, back off the flame, and while still hot (molten solder), brush off the excess solder from the joint. It cleans easily and leaves the joint looking pro. Reload brush with more flux when depleted You can finish up by wiping quickly with a DRY rag. Reheat if the area is large like your bracket. What's done already won't be harmed. Just DON'T OVERHEAT THE METAL or it will screw up the joint. The surfaces will not accept the solder and will behave to be re-cleaned. Watch videos by plumbers to get a good sense of how to solder. They do it a lot.

[@JimDivis]

You know what your talking about. Great advice.

[@ryanmacs2486]

Good job, just what I needed to see

[@71druss]

Helpful thanks for posting

[@vincemajestyk9497]

That's the wrong kind of solder to use for that. Rosin core is for electrical work. You want to use acid core solder for a mechanical bond, just like sweating copper pipes. Your flame is way too hot or high. The rosin is why it caught on fire.

[@carlosgeada5799]

good morning I'm Carlos I would like to know if you have any job opportunities as a radiator welder I have several years of experience in strange silver soldering etc. Please get in touch with me thank you for your attention