Hey Fellas ,do I just go look for a radiator that fit a ford 390 for my 53 ford with the 390 in it and just make it fit. Does anyone know a good application for this.I would like to incorporate the tran cooler as well.Thanks DJ

 

Dj most of the older radiators were of the 2 flue type I believe, until the 70's and the advent of smog crap. Check the vendors that support this site (radiators.com ? ) and look at a 4 flue radiator. That will cool even the manliest of motors and they do build radiators that have an integral trans cooler. At the age of our trucks, usually the radiator is a weak point. Perhaps some of the other guys can sugest something different.


Good luck

Steve

 

I agree,
A radiator repair shop will be able to custom make you a radiator to fit. Most have plenty of spare tanks lying around which are reletivly easy to customise to suit. A quick measure up of the space available will dictate which core they order for the job and how many rows. I would suggest using at least a 3 row if not four. They tend to keep the v8s cooler when stationary at lights etc. If possible also use a well shrouded fan.

Dan

 

Due to a lack of radiator shops in my remote area, I opted for a new four core made to fit by U.S. Radiator. They are available in many rod shops, prices vary $300-$450. It has a built-in tranny cooler. I got mine from SoCal speed shop in AZ. That's one item I won't have to fix again for a long time. Randy

 

I bought one from U.S. Radiator as well and am happy with it.
They will build you one any way you like it and it will fit just like the original. They are a little pricey, I think I paid about $300
including shipping.

 

You could walk around a junkyard with a tape measure.

 

US Radiator. Brand new and perfect fit. Relatively cheap peace of mind. They are the same ones most of the vendors sell in their catalogs, but are a lot cheaper buying direct from the company.

Ron
55 F-100

 

If you are not going for an accurate restoration you can get an aftermarket replacement radiator for mid to late 70's F-100's
that is sized for a 390 & has the trans cooler built in. I bought one for about $150. new for my 1955 F-100 with a 302 V8. Let me know if your interested and I can find the size & model # for you. The radiator I used has the top & bottom tanks, top center filler cap & the built in trans cooler. The fit was good, all I had to do was relocate some of the mounting flange holes to fit the old radiator support frame.

 

Truckbuff,

I'm interested if I can find something in that price range. I'll be using a non-Ford engine (350). Is that a problem? The outlets would have to be top center or top left (driver's side) and bottom right (passenger). I was thinking of adapting a cross flow, but at that price I'd prefer something with less fabrication involved...

 

Now there you go Vern...just use a Ford engine as God intended....That brand X stuff causes all kinds of problems and will probably leave you on the side of the road....Remember..Ford...the best idea....


AW nevermind.....

HAnds

 

Now there you go Big Hands...just use an original engine as God intended....That 302 stuff causes all kinds of problems and will probably leave you on the side of the road....Remember..292...the best idea....


AW nevermind.....

Hehehehe

 

I use a radiator out an '8? E-series, also found in trucks in the late '70s through the '80s. The thing fits perfectly from one fender well to the other, although I had to cut the flange back a bit when I first got it. Keeps my 390 at a cool 190 degrees in the hot summer with stop and go traffic. I use a 12" electric fan that covers a third of the face of the radiator.

Clayton

 

DJ Rosa,

I agree with Dan Martin's post. A radiator shop can build you a 3- or 4-row radiator to fit the specific dimensions of your truck. You might also consider a shroud for the radiator. It's a "hood" that goes over and down the sides of the radiator to increase the cooling effectiveness of the radiator and also how well it coos the motor.

The price to have them build you a radiator would not be too different from buying a pre-made one like "Be Cool", etc.

Daryl