So me being fairly new to these trucks , i figured running cooler is better. Well i found out that was not the case always. My 215 runs consistently around 130 degrees which i know is way cool. So I'm guessing i need a new thermostat and i should be like 165-180 Correct? Ive tried to get a thermostat from napa auto they said it didn't show on the computer, they should have it right? Also is they're any real risk of this swap since the motors has been running so cold for i dont know how long.

 

You should run either a 160 or 180 T-Stat. I checked the NAPA website and came with nothing however....Autozone has them so if they have a store close by, stop in and see them or you can order one through their website. Good luck. Steve

 

Tell the youngin behind the counter that almost none of the parts are cross referenced for vehicles before 1964 in the computer and make him go get the BOOK - the musty old huge binder book.
That t-stat you need fits ford 1916-1996 (no typo 1916-1996). I didn't write the part number down, but I will bet you they have it in Stant brand (i think the spec is 180).

 

Just went to go pull the old thermostat, wasn't even one in there!!! So now I need to know whitch was the new one hoes

 

Just went to go pull the old thermostat, wasn't even one in there!!! So now I need to know whitch was the new one goes. Is the spring toward the front or toward the back of the truck ?

 

The "hat" goes towards the radiator, the springs go in the head/block.
Put a dab of grease in the perimeter to hold it place (if it slips out of place you will crack the t-stat housing when you tighten it).

Don't feel alone, the PO took the t-stat out of mine as well. I guess it was a common problem for the old flatties to bake the paint off the hood and he didn't want to chance it. Be sure you got/get a shroud and watch your temps and you won't harm the paint at all.

 

What kinda of shield ? Like the insulation looking kind? So now am I gonna have over heating problems?

 

PO's were notorious for doing dumb things - it is slightly likely the PO removed it (they are thin metal, get bent and make a racket if they touch the blades).
Here's a pic of a engine with a shroud

Without a shroud (notice you can see the blades right behind the radiator)
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with a shroud (note
http://www.jeephorizons.com/tech/wj_water_pump/01.jpg

and a shroud all by itself
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check to see if the PO hozed you on this one like the thermostat.

 

Yah there's no shroud

 

The 215 in my 53 sedan runs cold too. The radiator in the car is much smaller than the truck radiator and also has no shroud. I had to install a 195 degree thermostat to get my engine to run in the 170-175 degree range. Take your thermostat housing into the parts store and get a thermostat that fits the housing.