Larry, 1 1/4" copper pipe has an outside diameter of 1 3/8". The pipe is
fairly hard to bend and probably could be done with a mandrel such as what a
muffler shop has. The outside diameter of 1 1/2" copper pipe is 1 5/8",
these will be about as close as you can come with copper pipe.
If you can find an old time plumber around your area, he could probably
'swedge' the 1 3/8" pipe to the larger size. Swedging is a practice of
enlarging the pipe, some times done with a tool. Be cautious with
enlarging the pipe on a tailpipe mandrel or this type of machine, as it
might crack the pipe instead of expanding it. I have an old time plumber
who works for me that does all his shaping with hand tools.
Copper pipe also comes in 3 different wall thichnesses, type 'M' the
thinnest, type 'L', and type 'K' the thickest. The thicker pipes are the
easier to bend without distorting, but also more expensive.
I knew that all this plumbing knowledge would have a practical use some
time, LOL,
Charly
----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry Young" <cartravel@pobox.com>
To: <fot@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, May 02, 2003 2:00 PM
Subject: Radiator Plumbing Question.
> After the previous discussion on cooling, I decided to install a larger
> radiator in my TR3A. I'm using a commodity crossflow radiator, which
> goes across the entire opening between the fenders. I've got the thing
> mounted, but I'm having trouble with the plumbing. The radiator inlet
> is 1 1/2 inch and the outlet is 1 3/4, which are standard sizes.
> However, the Triumph pump inlet and engine outlet are 1 3/8 inch, which
> is an odd size. Hoses are available in 1 3/8, but I can't find tubing
> with 1 3/8 O.D. I was thinking that if I could find exhaust pipe in 1
> 3/8 inch, I could have the ends of it expanded at a muffler shop. Does
> anyone know where I can find pipe or tubing in this size?
> Thanks,
> Larry Young
|