Bringing "life" back to a Heat Exchanger? (radiator)

**SnakeBite** · 05-19-2010, 02:20 PM

Hey everyone,

I drive a 2003 cobra, and I run a large aftermarket heat exchanger on the front of my car.

For those unfamiliar, it's the thing that says " SVT" on this vehicle

Anyway, while at highway speeds, bugs, rocks, etc. like to put dents in the "fins" of it. it's just like a radiator, and when I asked another local detailer, he said I should pick up a "fin brush"... I have no idea what he was talking about, and no stores around here have any idea what i'm talking about when I ask for a fin brush, so, my fellow detailers, help me out?

**Tex** · 05-19-2010, 02:38 PM

2 tools you may need:
- a fin brush is a brush you would use to clean the fins from debris. Some can go on your vacuum cleaner, but otherwise, any brush with stiff nylon bristle and long handle will work
- the tool you are referring to is called a fin comb. Auto mechanics, but also A/C repairmen typically have one to straighten out the bent fins. The comb is likely to not have more than 6 teeth or so and will be narrow so as to allow getting in everywhere. If you google radiator fin comb, I am sure you will find what you need

**The Pad Man** · 05-19-2010, 02:40 PM

Northern tool or Harbor Freight has what you are looking for

**Dubbin1** · 05-19-2010, 02:47 PM

Do a google search for a A/C Condenser Fin Comb, you will get a bunch of hits.

**Harleyguy** · 05-19-2010, 08:37 PM

Take a look at this .
Robinair 18403 - AC Condensor Fin Comb Straightener Cleaner

**rohnramirez** · 05-19-2010, 08:53 PM

Isn't that a front mounted intercooler?

Anyway, just a suggestion, why don't you put a mesh in front of it so the large particles doesn't make its way between the fins.

**_M_** · 05-19-2010, 09:03 PM

this is awesome...i need one too!

**maximus20895** · 05-19-2010, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by rohnramirez

Isn't that a front mounted intercooler?

Anyway, just a suggestion, why don't you put a mesh in front of it so the large particles doesn't make its way between the fins.

Yes, it in intercooler. I have never heard of it being a heat exchanger. I was confused when I read the thread title...

**rohnramirez** · 05-19-2010, 10:31 PM

Yeah,i never heard of it referred to as a heat exchanger. That's why i was curious, but asked cause it might be something else.

**oldmodman** · 05-19-2010, 11:08 PM

I agree about the fin straightener. That's what I used on my 03 Cobra when I had a heat exchanger on it.

Now I have a Killer Chiller, plus a pair of extra capacity heat exchanger tanks in the wheel wells. Removed the heat exchanger entirely. That area now has an Accusump in it, plus a screen to protect it.