Spider TS radiator question

My Spider appears to have been swallowing flies, stones and god knows what else and is missing around 50% of the vanes (or whatever they're called) from the gaps between the radiator channels. I know they're not just there for a laugh, but so far the engine runs at just under 90 when on the move, and just over if stuck in traffic, which from having a look around on here seems to be about the norm. The "solid" bits of the rad are ok - no rust, leaks or anything like that.

Couple of questions - I know that I'm ultimately looking at a new radiator, but what should I expect to pay? Also, is it possible to get refurbished or re-cored one rather than stumping up for a new part? Finally, I have the workshop manual but is there anything in particular I need to bear in mind if I do this myself?

Am gutted that when I had my first car (over 15 years ago, with a very old school Ford CVH engine) I had a neighbour who was able to show me how to do pretty much everything short of a full engine rebuild, and I was fully confident with that engine, but now I'm wary of touching either my TS or JTS due to the greater complexity of the engines and electronics.


Just as an aside (and apologies if it exists and I've missed it), would there be any call for a a section where members used to getting their hands oily could offer practical help (payment in kind in return or something?) to others who either don't know what they're doing or who have been out of the car thing for a while? It's a little frustrating to take my cars to a garage for things that I'd have been doing myself back in 1990 and would do so again, if I was confident I wouldn't balls things up.

I would expect £100 - £150 for a new rad; take a look in yellow pages and ring around. Make sure you get the right one; air con / no air con are different, as are early / late (metal top / plastic top cam covers). Should be fairly easy if you don't have aircon, a bit trickier if you do as the aircon rad attaches to the front. If it has the original hose clips, you'll need to butcher them off and replace with new. Good luck

Getting a cheap radiator one will not pay in the long run. Get a Valeo one (about £199). I wouldn't skimp on cooling

(I think the Valeo ones are fitted as standard from the factory anyway).

Where in London are you? I'm in Croydon and wouldn't mind helping you. I have all the tools for example cam belt changes etc.

Seabadger. Did you page me? I don't have those privileges! PM me instead. I should be able to assist with the thermostat-I have the special pliers for the clips.