Heater Matirx, go for new or used????

[Liddo]

Well, after getting my motor FINALLY sorted and spending about £160 on her, tonight, during the crappy weather, my windscreen steamed up, first the passenger side, then the drivers, and would it f**k clear! I tried EVERY setting.
The aircon is coldish, I have not fluid loss, and the carpets are dry, but I suspect like MANY others, that my matrix is gone.

So, my question is! Do I fork out ANOTHER £100 for a new matrix, or risk a £35.00 one from Salvo, and do the job myself???

What causes the matrix to go??? Is it age, because if it is, is it probably best to go for a new one.

Good job Im keeping this car, as Ive got a feeling she's gonna cost me a fortune in the coming months :(

[Tomcat]

If your not sure then go for a s/h one, they're not hard to fit so if it doesn't last that long you've not got much work to do to replace it. Usually they fail due to rust, which is through lack of antifreeze.

[pookie]

When my matrix went, I got a pattern part for £60-00. It had volvo stamped in the tanks and a new rubber foam gasket. Any radiator shop should be able to quote.

Pookie

[Liddo]

Cheers for the replies. Looks like I'll be getting a used one then, and spending most of my weekend in the footwell's ;)

[Liddo]

When my matrix went, I got a pattern part for £60-00. It had volvo stamped in the tanks and a new rubber foam gasket. Any radiator shop should be able to quote.

Pookie

Pookie, where did you get a £60 one from?? I think there £35.00 second hand!

[Rufe]

i would go for a recored unit personally if your not going for new.

there is a radiator specialist local to us who have recored them for customers in the past, usually around £60 if i remember right, but at least your not fitting an unknown second hand one. price will no doubt vary, and i may be wrong, but im sure they were around £60 maybe £70 for a recoditioned one the last time i got one.

[Liddo]

i would go for a recored unit personally if your not going for new.

there is a radiator specialist local to us who have recored them for customers in the past, usually around £60 if i remember right, but at least your not fitting an unknown second hand one. price will no doubt vary, and i may be wrong, but im sure they were around £60 maybe £70 for a recoditioned one the last time i got one.


Cheer Rufe, any idea's what their called?? I'll give em a bell

[Rufe]

Cheer Rufe, any idea's what their called?? I'll give em a bell

Well the local supplier we use is called Ricketts Radiators, but i don't think they would do mail order. If you search your local Yell.com listings under Radiators (Motor) you should find similar businesses listed.

I just phoned Ricketts to ask the question, they no longer do recon units for these, only new items, which do not require the old unit back, and they are £55.00 plus vat to us trade price and have one on the shelf right now. To be honest I didn't think to ask if there was a retail price, but i am sure you could pick one up locally for same price.

Simon

[Liddo]

Well the local supplier we use is called Ricketts Radiators, but i don't think they would do mail order. If you search your local Yell.com listings under Radiators (Motor) you should find similar businesses listed.

I just phoned Ricketts to ask the question, they no longer do recon units for these, only new items, which do not require the old unit back, and they are £55.00 plus vat to us trade price and have one on the shelf right now. To be honest I didn't think to ask if there was a retail price, but i am sure you could pick one up locally for same price.

Simon

Cheers Simon, thanks very much for the info :)

[pookie]

Pookie, where did you get a £60 one from?? I think there £35.00 second hand!

Maccrads in Macclesfield. 01625 615617.
I did however get it through the firm I used to work for but it shouldn't make any difference.

Pookie

[Liddo]

Maccrads in Macclesfield. 01625 615617.
I did however get it through the firm I used to work for but it shouldn't make any difference.

Pookie

Cheers Pookie ;)