Been a while since I've seen a post on the two different inner grill support pan's. I just can't recall what I'd read on the forum

I found a nice 53 chassis / flathead, to drop my 55 on.

When I was gathering parts for my build I bought a nice set of both style pans.

One set has a straight side adjacent to the Rad support, the other set has a surface with some curves in it adjacent to the Rad support.

Can any of the experts tell me why the edges of the the two styles of inner grill support pans were different, if they are interchangable?

Will the Grill Support for a Flatty hold the OEM Rad for the YBlock that came out in 54?

I've gathered the parts to build a YBlock somewhere down the road, but at the rate I'll be running the flatty for a few years.

I need to clear out some of the extra parts I've gathered to make some room in my garage.

Unless I have to change out the Rad support when I slip a YBlock under the hood, and get rid of the set of inner grill support pan's I won't be using.

 

the 53 rad support doesnt have the cross braces and the 54-56 do.

so the side pans (air deflectors) on the 53-55 have the notches to clear the cross braces.

Not sure on rad support but I think it doesnt matter on the engine size

Disclaimer----Im not an expert

 

Thx a bunch for the refresher AV F100

The 53 Chassis with Flattie I picked up must be a frankenstein assembly. It has the Rad support with the X braces, and a Rad for a Flattie with two upper Rad Hose flanges...

That said, when I replaced the original Flattie Rad, the bottom of the Rad support saddle had some stress cracks at the bottom where it bolts to the frame cross member, so I understand why Ford elected to stiffen the Assy with cross bracing.

I'll save the "Air Deflectors notched for the cross bracing and sell the other pair.

Keep on Truckin!