2002 REPLICORE RADIATORS
WAS PURCHASED BY THE JARMAN FAMILY:
and Replicore NZ established
A family business running in parallel with Tamaterau Engineering Ltd, Replicore NZ is well placed to benefit from the engineering input that is immediately available.
1974-89: VERMONT VINTAGE RADIATORS WAS CREATED, a partnership between George Mihaljevich of Vermont Radiators, Ponsonby, Auckland, and John Rummery, also of Auckland and who had spent the previous 3 years with The Marston Restoration Unit in Coventry England specialising in vintage car radiator work. With the valued assistance of Len Southward by way of encouragement and toolmaking, they commenced making cartridge radiator cores for vintage cars on a part-time basis, orders coming via word of mouth. George’s exceptional radiator repairing skills partnered well with John’s core making experience in England and together a small successful business developed.
Their knowledge of the range and types of cartridge cores developed over time and an overseas market quietly grew. Australia became the largest market, with the USA not far behind. A reputation for a quality product was achieved in time and their radiators and cores graced cars which won awards at such notable events as Pebble Beach.
1990-92: BRIAN WRACK PURCHASED GEORGE’S SHARE and the business along with John moved to Whangarei. The name changed to ‘New Zealand Vintage Radiators’. The radiator restoration side which was George’s speciality had to be relinquished, and a programme of extending the range of cores on offer commenced.
1993-2001: JOHN BECAME THE SOLE OWNER AND THE NAME REPLICORE RADIATORS WAS INTRODUCED the range of cores increased with the introduction of the Serck A-type film core, a move to copper tube to enable aircraft cores to be made, and a relationship with Tamaterau Engineering Ltd as toolmaker and engineering support was established. Advertising in the USA commenced, and a drive to be involved in the warbird restoration industry began.
2002- PRESENT: REPLICORE RADIATORS WAS PURCHASED by Nick & Donna and Replicore NZ was established. As a family business running in parallel with Tamaterau Engineering Ltd, Replicore NZ is well placed to benefit from the engineering input that is immediately available. The warbirds radiator and oil cooler market has continued to develop and thrive, as has the range of cars cores that are available. Special emphasis continues to be placed on offering the interest and ability to manufacture one-off and unusual radiator cores as being a point of difference between us and our competitors. John is still involved and is looking forward to celebrating 40 years of radiator manufacturing next year.