I need a radiator for my 1966 M100 352. Any thoughts on what company on the internet I should use and advice on ordering. She doesn't have a fan shroud, was like that when I got her. Should I put one on while I have the radiator off? What radiator and shroud would you recommend?

I'm not by my truck now, but I happened to have these pics on my phone. She has been in for service since these pics and has a new air cleaner and master cylinder. I would appreciate any advice and help. I have a great mechanic, but he is swamped.

I put a radiator in my 67 mustang fastback 289, 4bbl, 4-speed manual trans, decades ago. I'll give it a shot again, just want to make sure I get the right parts. Again, any help is much appreciated. Thanks!! Cindy

 

Hi. It is generally better to repair the existing radiator if possible. Are you certain it must be replaced? A good radiator shop can make that determination, and would be cost effective too.

 

X2. I've had my radiators repaired or recored as needed and they are like new once done. Might not be a bad idea to get the system flushed first so you can get some crud out of the block before you disassemble.

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If you find out for sure you need a new radiator, I got a new one that's nearly identical to the original from NAPA. It's been good for 10 years now.

Probably won't need a shroud unless you're really working it hard and then crawling through town on hot days. For instance, if you're towing a trailer at freeway speeds and then do a lot of idling at stop lights it might creep up in temp. If you end up wanting a shroud, I believe they started using them in '67 or '68 and they'll fit a '66.

 

That looks like the original "industrial" style rad. Note the continuous fins.
I put a shroud on a '66 with a 352. I think I found it on a '75 F250 with a 390. Make sure the radiators have the same dimensions, then the shroud will fit.

 

Incidentally Cindy, does your ownership document describe your truck as a Mercury M100? It is my impression that Ford dropped the model number on Mercs after 1964, while the Fords obviously kept it. My '66 Merc was a Mercury 250 on its certificate of ownership.
Eric

 

Does your truck have an overheating problem? Did it have one before your radiator went south? I agree with the others - get your OE radiator reconditioned by a local shop. Flush out your engine block and cooling system. Install a new 180 degree thermostat. Make sure your radiator hoses are good and the bottom one isn't prone to collapsing. If after all of this you have an overheat issue, then add the fan shroud and maybe a 6 or 7 blade fan. Removing and replacing your radiator is relatively simple (since you don't have air conditioning), if a bit messy. If you did one in a '67 Mustang, this should be a piece of cake. Good luck!

 

Thanks for your thoughts. It was really leaking! I have never had one repaired/recored. I was a service writer (Lexus) and now work in cust relations, fewer hours! (Acura). Needless to say, we don't repair them, just put new ones in, haha! And, the young guys don't like working on old stuff anyway.
The most I usually drive her is 17 miles to work one way, some stop and go traffic though, so she does get pretty toasty. I wasn't sure if a 66 had them. Maybe I'll put a radiator in and see how it goes. I can add the shroud later if needed. Thanks!!

 

Sorry, just saw these last posts. No over heating problems. She was leaking a little coolant onto the bell housing. I was gonna bring her to my mechanic and have him look at it. In the meantime, I put coolant in and wanted to figure it out myself. After about 2 miles, she was leaking coolant from the radiator and it was steadily dripping off the bottom hose. So, I really can't do anything to it until I resolve the radiator issue.

 

Eric, good catch, It does say F100 on the plate. She was listed as an M100 on craiglist and I have just been going with it. It is confusing enough explaining Mercury made trucks. I can really confound them by saying it is a Mercury F100, haha! What makes this forum so great it is the wealth of knowledge and attention to detail from posters like you. I enjoy reading and learning!

 

D3TZ-8146-C (replaced C8TZ-8146-K) .. Fan Shroud / Marked on upper left corner: C8TA-8146-S or D3TA-8146-DA / Reproduced by Carpenter

Original applications: 1968/76 F100/350 360/390 with standard/xtra cooling & A/C radiators, all of which are approx. 26 1/4" wide by 19 3/4" high.

Carpenter has specs for this shroud, but make sure it's D3TZ-8146-C because a cluck that works there used the same D3TA-8146-DA ID number for the 302 shroud that should be D3TA-8146-CA

 

Yeah Cindy it will say F10 on the plate but what about the ownership papers?
Eric

 

Sorry for delay. I am waiting for the title and plates to come so I don't know for sure. When I get a chance I will look at the temporary papers. Thanks!

 

"..onto the bellhousing." ???

Are you sure it is it the radiator that is leaking? Maybe it is leaking coolant towards the rear of the engine...cylinder head gasket, core plug, etc. ?

BarnieTrk

 

Good call, SSabre!

Many folks miss this - locate or make a coiled wire to insert into the bottom hose to support it from collapsing.

BarnieTrk