Dead Men Tales: The Radiator

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The Radiator

Take the time to consider the beauty of simple things like the radiator. Everything ever made began with someone’s dream, and with their passion to create.

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BradHotNCold

I miss steam heat! But at least we still have radiant baseboard!

delcrossv

Sort of a bittersweet ending. Here's an alternate:
Dad noticed the heat wasn't as even as it should be and went down the basement and replaced the old main vents, then he had the kids scrape and repaint the radiators and he put new vents on those. Their dog, like the dog before him, enjoyed the even heat for the rest of his days.

PC7060

delcrossv said:

Sort of a bittersweet ending. Here's an alternate:
Dad noticed the heat wasn't as even as it should be and went down the basement and replaced the old main vents, then he had the kids scrape and repaint the radiators and he put new vents on those. Their dog, like the dog before him, enjoyed the even heat for the rest of his days.

That what we did, restored 14 original radiators and rescued 6 more for the addition! Converted gravity hot water system with MODCON running max temp of 120F SWT (thak you @hot_rod, @Ironman & @mattmia2) .

Mine are more functional looking than the beautiful Victorian ones but we love them just the same. As does the cat!

cubbydog

Oh how I wish my repurposed radiators could talk!!

DanHolohan

They will, but only if you listen hard. 😉

bill_brooks

amazing, our benevolent government has never regulated radiators as a potential hazard!

coonmanx

I grew up in an old three story house that had radiators. They worked pretty well.

PC7060

At least some of the ornate radiators removed from US homes end up in Europe where they are highly prized. 

Companies such as Caravatti’s in Richmond recover the units from homes during renovations; the really nice ones are containerized and shipped to distributors for use in old home being renovated there. 

SteamCrazy

I too have this love for my Radiators and the steam heat they provide, but at times I feel I'm the only one who does. I feel I have adopted them and they are now under my care. All thirteen of them. Luckily they are the beautiful Victorian style. Great story Dan.

DanHolohan

Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. 

roncook

Great story but kinda sad. Love working on old steam systems. Started in 1985 after getting out of the army in Newport Ri with Newport Oil. They had all the contracts for the big mansions that are now museums so I gained alot of experience quickly. Now I'm in Rochester NY with Isaac Heating passing on my knowledge to the next generation. I feel fortunate to be with a company that gives me this opportunity. I do remember meeting you at a convention and you also came to our company and gave a great class on pumping away. Keep up the great work and I really enjoy your stories.

DanHolohan

Thanks, @roncook. That was a good trip to Rochester. What a great bunch of people! Thanks for the memory, and for passing on the knowledge.