Placement of radiator UNDER kombi...

[Derek]

I have recently bought a '72 crossover with a very good Audi 2.2 5Cylinder conversion. The only problem for me is the ugly big bullbar/radiator combo up front, so I'd like to have the radiator moved to under the kombi. I need advice on who in Cape Town would be best to go to for such a job - everything works perfectly now - the radiator must simply be moved to the best position under the kombi and fitted in place, and then covered by a scoop to direct airflow and protect the radiator. Any ideas on who could handle this job quickly and efficiently?

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[acpaterson]

Howzit,
Mmm, this isn't going to be an easy find I don't think. This is pretty much a Mcguyver job you're needing done, definitely not an easy conversion to find out there so to speak. Possibly Dave at Flat Four but I know for a fact he's busy for months on end. What about Berg? Look it's very doable. if you consider a Speedster owner fitted a watercooled motor with a radiator under his speedster nose, there's PLENTY space under the busses considering the cavity spaces under the chassis. Dunno who else might be keen to do this Derek, but keep us updated please, whatever you do.

cheers

Alan

[Riekert]

This might help http://volksaru-incubator.blogspot.com/ ... s.html?m=1

[acpaterson]

Derek, did you get any success with this? And can you recommend a "Specialist"? I might be in the market for a conversion on my Bus..

[Cyndi Kritzinger]

I TOO AM KEEN TO KNOW.

[retrovan]

Bugger has done a few of these conversions, why not ask him.

Its not as hard as you make out, if you look out to avoid air traps, it will work strait off the bat.

Herman

[acpaterson]

I did, pricing makes them hugely expensive, besides the fact he's up in JHB..

[Derek]

I ended up selling the kombi in question with the radiator still up front. All the other conversions I have have radiators installed IN the nose of the kombi with a radiator grill...

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[acpaterson]

Mmm, so still no good Cape Town mechanic on hand to help with these types of conversions..

[Terry Phillips]

Alan give Gilo engineering a call as they stock quite a range of the coversion stuff like adaptor plates,water pipes,switches cross members and all sorts,maybe they supply to someone down there by you that can assist you..

[Derek]

The conversion to water-cooled is straightforward - you get a Golf or Toyota engine, order the correct kit from Gilo Engineering including a cross member. With the adapter kit the new engine bolts onto the original gearbox. Run pipes to the front, fit the radiator and it works Any decent workshop can do it.

[acpaterson]

Have you done it yourself Derek? with your own hands? or did you commission Berg Motors , etc??
I realize it's straight forward. But I don't have the time, inclination, or space to "DIY". That's why I asked the question, who, or where in Cape Town.

[Donovan D]

Thought that kombi looked familiar, but damn that radiator is ugly.

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[Derek]

The conversion to water-cooled is straightforward - you get a Golf or Toyota engine, order the correct kit from Gilo Engineering including a cross member. With the adapter kit the new engine bolts onto the original gearbox. Run pipes to the front, fit the radiator and it works Any decent workshop can do it.

Alan - if you would take the time to read thoroughly, you'd note the line "Any decent workshop can do it" in my response. You ask for advice and then respond most inappropriately IMHO. I was going to offer you one of my conversions to take to your local workshop so that they could see what needed to be done, but only if you promise not to yell at me...

[Derek]

Thought that kombi looked familiar, but damn that radiator is ugly.

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Yes Donovan - we tried to diminish its ugliness but were not successful. The buyers said they were going to remove the radiator and Audi 5 cyl conversion down the line, but that kombi drives so beautifully with that conversion that I doubt they will. For them moving the radiator underneath, or even cutting the hole and putting it in the nose would be the perfect solution. It's really a great vehicle...