Quick radiator query

[MaestroMatt]

Anyone know if the radiator in the MG1600 Maestro is interchangeable with the one in the Vanden Plas 1.6 R series?

[Dave]

It depends what year the VDP is. I believe all the MG1600's had the deeper slam panel - and hence the shorter radiator. Whereas only pre '86 VDP's had the same. So if its a post '86 VDP then you need the newer taller radiator.

However, saying that - my 91 1300LX has a MG1600 rad fitted - i made up a simple 'spacer' to build it to the correct height. Its a wider radiator, so it actually has a larger area even though it is shorter.

I've got a photo of the conversion somewhere - will post it here when i find it.

Dave.

[Dave]

I should add. The only reason i converted the 'wrong' radiator was the financial restraints of being a student! See, i needed a new rad, but already had an old MG1600 rad.

Dave

[MaestroMatt]

My VDP is 1983 so has the wider, shorter radiator - does that mean that it definitely is compatable?

[Dave]

I would say: YES.

(But lets wait and see if someone backs me up!)

MARIA!!.... (who's got one of each!)

Dave

[Maria]

Sorry, been out 24hr 2CV racing all weekend :D:D:D:D

Yep, the very early cars had the deeper slam panel - the same as I have on my 1956 S series VP, and the same as our 1984 S series MG1600 race car. If your VP is '82, it almost certainly has the shorter rad.

By the way, getting hold of a replacement rad can be a bugger as most places only sell the taller, newer models. My recent new one came from the deepest, darkest shelf of a backstreet radiator shop!

[MaestroMatt]

Damn! Just missed a brand new one for a tenner on e-bay! Not that I need one, but I would have got it at that price... There have been a lot of good brand new old (R Series) spares recently.