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Today we are going to cover straightening rock damage to radiator and A/C cooling fins. This is a fairly simple task made even easier with the correct tools.  This task can be done with a screwdriver or plastic wedge but you have to be very careful as the fins are very easy to tear. The easiest way to do it is to get a fin straightening tool such as the Titan 51500 Radiator Fin Comb. One of the biggest tricks is to roll the tool as you move it across the radiator. Do not force the tool or you will tear a fin and then you will have to repair or replace the radiator. If done correctly this will open up the bent areas and allow smooth air flow allowing the radiator to work at maximum efficiency.

Today I am working on a 1931 Ford Model A Coupe. This is really minor damage and probably could be left alone but we are going to repair before covering this over.

 Here I am using the Titan 51500. Unfortunately, it does not have the correct fin count for this radiator.  I will have to mention this to them when I next talk to Titan that they forgot to cover 85 year old cars.  But this is not a big problem! I will just jump between 2 different combs and get this cleaned up a little.  I have these about as straight as I am willing to go on a 85 year old radiator. A little touchup paint and it is ready to hit the road.

Now that we have the fins straight and a shot of touch up paint applied, it is time to protect this original radiator with a Vintique rock guard.  This is a quick and easy step. Just slide behind the headlight bar and slip two retaining straps into the headlight wiring holes in the grill and tighten.

Hopefully you enjoyed this blog post and are ready the next time a Ford Model A rolls in with a little rock damage. Or you could also use the knowledge on anything with a radiator. Look for a few more blog posts coming soon on some fun we had with the Model A.

-Fred