Mysterious Metal Tag

[Tom K.]

Hi All,

Does anyone know what this metal tag is? I found it lying on my cross member after I had removed the radiator, core support and condenser, so I suspect it is related to these items in some way, but thats all i know. Any ideas?

[Paul O.]

Re: Mysterious Metal Tag

It is the tag for your radiator indicating its application. It was attached were the core and the side tank connected passenger side. Facing the shroud or engine. generally 1/3 to 1/2 from the top of the radiator. It is an important part for originality. Many times it is missing due to a re-cored or replaced radiators .

[Tom K.]

Re: Mysterious Metal Tag

Thanks Paul!

[Russ S.]

Re: Mysterious Metal Tag

What engine and options does your car have?

[Duke W.]

Re: Mysterious Metal Tag

...amazing it didn't fall off the car. All GM brass radiators or the era had these ID tags, and as previously stated they are usually thrown away by radiator shops. If you have the original tag and need radiator repair work or a new core, remove the tag and put it back after the radiator comes back from the shop. Don't trust the shop to save it, even if you have it in writing on the RO.

Duke

[Tom K.]

Re: Mysterious Metal Tag

Hi Russ,

The car is a 1973 coupe 454, automatic, a/c, PS, PB, AM-FM, Tilt Wheel

Tom

[Tom K.]

Re: Mysterious Metal Tag

Thanks Duke - will do - How should it be preserved? Should I sandblast and paint satin black?
something else?

Tom

[Russ S.]

Re: Mysterious Metal Tag

Thanks Tom, I will add it to my notes.

Hi Russ,

The car is a 1973 coupe 454, automatic, a/c, PS, PB, AM-FM, Tilt Wheel

Tom

[Tom K.]

Re: Mysterious Metal Tag

Hey Russ,

I forgot C50 Rear Window defogger - it originally a silver car (repainted black at some point) with Oxblood interior

Tom

[Duke W.]

Re: Mysterious Metal Tag

Thanks Duke - will do - How should it be preserved? Should I sandblast and paint satin black?
something else?

Tom

...not sure... haven't dealt with one since I had the radiator from my Cosworth Vega rebuilt about 15 years ago, and I think I just reinstalled it without taking any "restoration" action. I think they are "spring steel" (check with a magnet). Your photo appears to have surface rust and no evidence of any paint. It so, I'd just treat it with some rust remover and then wipe it down with WD-40 or a light coat of black or clear paint. Sand blasting with likely alter the surface finish, which is smooth, so don't do that.

It's only purpose was to ID the radiator during the production process. After that it served no function, so GM didn't care if it feel off or rusted away.

Maybe others can offer better advice.

Duke

[Rob A.]

Re: Mysterious Metal Tag

Was the tag crimped on or brazed on with the core?

[Paul O.]

Re: Mysterious Metal Tag

Rob

As Duke stated it is spring steel and has a spring type clipping setup to lock it to the radiator at the seam of the core and side tank.

[Brad Hillhouse (37766)]

Re: Mysterious Metal Tag

Tom -

Several things. The tag is made from a pretty brittle spring type steel and you need to be careful in putting it back on the header plate of your radiator so that you dont break any of the little "fingers" off of it. Depending on what you are doing with the radiator while it is out, I would suggest you ask your radiator shop to put a drop or two of solder underneath the tag and secure it to the radiator. Good insurance that it doesnt pop off again while on the road. I have cleaned several of them with a fine wire brush like any other steel and they have come out nice and ready for paint.

Glad you found it, those can be extremely difficult to locate if yours is gone.

Here is picture of mine as installed after a new Harrison core.

Brad Hillhouse
37766

[Tom K.]

Re: Mysterious Metal Tag

Thanks Brad - that radiator looks perfect!