Radiator seals/foam

[MaineShark]

I need to make some custom seals for my radiator. Is there any place that I can get foam tape which will work? All that places like NAPA seem to have is weatherstripping foam, and I think that its adhesive would release, if exposed to the heat of the radiator.

Joe

 

[Roy]

Radiator Seals

If you are talking about the seal that fits between the raditor and the shroad, then 1/2" thick rubberized weather stripping would work just fine. This weatherstripping is sandwiched between the radiator and shroad and ain't going no where once you button things up.

 

[80convertible]

If your are refering to the seals between the radiator and the radiator mount, I used pipe wrap from Home Depot. Cheap, looks good and works perfectly. I've been using this for about 4 years with no problem.

 

[Eddie 70]

I did the same. I went to Home Depot and bought the same foam pipe wrap. They have two versions. I got the really soft stuff that has its own sticky back. Has been in place on my car for about 1 year and looks just like it did when I installed it. And it was a whole lot cheaper, a major plus.

 

[JohnZ]

Doc Rebuild has the best exact-replacement radiator and shroud seals in the business, with pressure-sensitive adhesive on them, ready to install.

 

[MaineShark]

Thanks for the ideas, guys.

Doc Rebuild has the best exact-replacement radiator and shroud seals in the business, with pressure-sensitive adhesive on them, ready to install.

Yeah, but I don't have the stock radiator, hood, or fan, so those won't line up...

Joe

 

[BlueL36]

You want some seals that will work and not cost much, right?

Get some pipe insulation (black foam stuff from Home Depot or hardware store) that has a slit on one side to wrap around the pipe. Cost- about $5

Get some double sided golf grip tape from your local golf supply house (GolfSmith or Golf Galaxy.) Cost- about $2

Pre-fit the pipe insulation to the sides of the radiator. See where the insulation meets metal. Remove and place a length of the golf grip tape on the insulation. Peel off the paper backing on the grip tape and work the insulation back into place.

It won't go anywhere.

If you need to double up the insulation, slit it and use the golf grip tape to build it up to the size you need. Having some rebound to the insulation once its wedged in is good- will help seal the gaps.

Oh, and you will have a lot of grip tape left over. Good for all kinds of stick 'em jobs (loose carpet, etc.)