Radiator types

[rolesyboy]

I have a handful of old brass top Coventry rads and wondered if anybody could tell me how I distinguish what type belongs to what year car? I have ones with a drain tap on the base for example and I understnd some are date stamped behind the cowl. Would somebody enlighten me please? Thanks. Mark

[ricardo]

IIRC the change point was May 1965.

Up to that date there were mainly 2 types, both with the top hose fitted at the far end of the top cover. From that date onwards the hose started to be fitted further back (modern design - check new radiators) and several types existed, including Coventry too.

The top cover is the easiest way to identify them. As for the date, check the sides (vertically), it should be stamped there.

[rolesyboy]

Thanks. No mention of the drain tap and how a Cooper S differs in terms of radiator spec to a standard Mini. Anybody?
Some photos would be great.

[Lilihip]

when did Minis have originally fitted drain tap underneath the radiator? and what type of drain tap was it - like this? were there any differences in taps?

[mk1]

Cooper S rad was 36 fins per inch. The original 850 was fewer. By the 70's all Minis were fitted with an "S" radiator.