am i too picky? H/E bent fins....

[ArmedSuspect]

replacement / second unit looks better than the first but still has a few imperfections.

what should be considered "acceptable" on a NEW H/E?
am i just being unrealistically picky or should i expect the NEW H/E to arrive in perfect shape?

i'm aware of what it'll look like after i run through some insects and country roads... i accept the inevitable dings as part of driving the car.


first unit:

replacement:

 

[SNK-BITE]

I am picky as well but, I would just grab a flat head and straighten them.

 

[offroadkarter]

The first one is crap, I don't blame you for getting that replaced. The second one doesn't seem horrible, I'd still be kinda irked though. My heat exchanger came with a few bent fins but it was so few and far between that I didn't really care.

 

[ArmedSuspect]

yeah, i'm a little disappointed in the appearance. of all the radiators i've installed in my life, i really haven't experienced enough bent fins to grab my attention. these just jump out at me instantly!

for what it's worth i'm leaning toward keeping this one and just "fixing" the bent fins. .... not happy about it though.

the vendor (AM) has been EXCELLENT to deal with and the replacement was at my door in 24 hours. no questions, no fuss, just plain ol great service!!

 

[Bdubbs]

It sucks that they do get beat up over time, some people install a mesh screen to help prevent some of that. My Gords h/e looks pretty rough now.

 

[Vault101]

Fixing this was the first thing I've done to my car. I considered painting it black with radiator paint, but my new one is much more acceptable than the one that it came with. It had a few bent fins when I got it in the mail, but that's bound to happen. Yours on the other hand looks like someone already combed through some bent fins.

 

[earico]

The first one is crap, I don't blame you for getting that replaced. The second one doesn't seem horrible, I'd still be kinda irked though. My heat exchanger came with a few bent fins but it was so few and far between that I didn't really care.

^ This. 1st was unacceptable.

I use a mini long needlenose pliers to straighten fins. Works great.

This was my HE brand new for comparison.

 

[raym5_0]

easily fix, install KC & remove. done

 

[ArmedSuspect]

^ This. 1st was unacceptable.

I use a mini long needlenose pliers to straighten fins. Works great.

This was my HE brand new for comparison.

what brand H/E was that one?

 

[03cobra#694]

Drives me nuts also. I take the time to straighten them every once in a while, because as mentioned, they do get a little beat up.

 

[earico]

what brand H/E was that one?

This one: http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/engine-tuning-214/846555-universal-dual-pass-he-install.html