New core on existing plastic tanks

[JHZR2]

If the look of the aluminum bothers you, coat it.

From this:

With scuffing, cleaning, priming and painting.

to this:

Not nearly as bad. Blends in more. Noticeable that there is no MB star on the radiator like before FWIW. Top of radiator gets HOT as expected when running.

Shroud doesn’t fit quite right.

Note the gap:

 

[Chris142]

Another thing you may run into is that the plastic tanks often collapse once removed from the core. If they do that you can't put them back on.

 

[Chris142]

From this:
View attachment 176839

With scuffing, cleaning, priming and painting.
View attachment 176840View attachment 176841View attachment 176842

to this:

View attachment 176860

Not nearly as bad. Blends in more. Noticeable that there is no MB star on the radiator like before FWIW. Top of radiator gets HOT as expected when running.

Shroud doesn’t fit quite right.

Note the gap:
View attachment 176861

Put a piece of foam in the gap

 

[slacktide_bitog]

It’s not OE, it’s not well made, the drain isn’t like OE, I don’t like glaring bright aluminum underhood, and the AT cooler is dubious that it will flow like the original.

OE:
View attachment 176811
Chinese:
View attachment 176812

Regular coolant changes and ATF changes and it will not be a problem at all

 

[JHZR2]

Put a piece of foam in the gap

I was thinking caulk backer rod which is a round foam.

 

[Chris142]

I was thinking caulk backer rod which is a round foam.

As soon as you take the tank off it collapses. You can't do anything put it back on. Wish I could find a picture.

 

[JHZR2]

As soon as you take the tank off it collapses. You can't do anything put it back on. Wish I could find a picture.

?? Are we talking two different things?

 

[Chris142]

?? Are we talking two different things?

You said that you wanted to re use your old plastic tanks?

 

[JHZR2]

You said that you wanted to re use your old plastic tanks?

Yes. Sorry, I think you replied about putting foam in the gap where the shroud is.