42-47 Radiator

jdwoods · #1 (**permalink**) 12-16-2008, 01:25 PM

Can any one out there that has converted their truck to a modern engine give recommendations for a Radiator that will fit the truck.

Thanks JD

48ATOY · #2 (**permalink**) 12-18-2008, 10:33 PM

My dad put in his 47
302 with a radiator from a full size 1968 gallaxie 500

Joe

46yblock · #3 (**permalink**) 12-18-2008, 11:10 PM

I am going to use a Race Pro cross flow universal aluminum 2 row radiator. 22X19 tall. It fits with side brackets tig welded to the tanks to mount to stock radiator frame. There was an issue with the bottom outlet being excessively long and angled straigt towards my water pump (292 Ford). Worked it out. There still is a problem with the very top corners of the radiator slightly interfering with the conelike cowl that holds the hood latch. Probably will deal with that by eliminating the stock cowl, and fabbing a flat aluminum cover and a different hood latch.

The radiator was reasonable, around $175. I messed around with quite a few different radiator hoses though, adding up to $90. Welding $75. Overflow tank $25.00. 1/2 inc. thick Neoprene base $20. Time: a lot!

loholland · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 09:12 PM

There are several places that mfg. new modern type radiators that will bolt into the 42-52 Ford pickup trucks. Walker Radiator works Inc. comes to mind. You can buy them with the in and out in any position with auto trans coolers and ac condenser built in. The only bad part is the price. They can range anywhere from $600-800 bucks. There are other mfg but most of the places that sell radiators for hot rods come from Walker. Like some of these other guys you might have to retrofit something if your on a budget. This might not be the info your looking for, you might try a search on this forum and see what some others have done.

COMPLIT1107 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-22-2008, 03:35 PM

I took my orginal to an experienced (old guy) at a local radiator shop and had him use the top and bottom tanks and side rail mounts, seal the second hose ports and recore it for a chevy big block. Turned out real nice and didn't put me in the "poor" house (~$300)

jdwoods · #6 (**permalink**) 12-22-2008, 04:18 PM

Thanks for the replies

NumberDummy · #7 (**permalink**) 12-22-2008, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 48ATOY

My dad put in his 47
302 with a radiator from a full size 1968 gallaxie 500

Joe

1968 Galaxie/LTD 302 Cross Flow Radiator specs:

Std. Cooling: 19 3/4" Wide / 17 1/4" High / 1 1/4" Core Thickness.

Xtra Cooling: 23 1/4" Wide / 17 3/8" High / 1 1/4" Core Thickness.

The same radiators were used in 1967 Galaxie/LTD's with 289's.

Chief-e9 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-04-2009, 06:58 PM

I had Griffin radiator out of Greenville, SC build me an aluminum one to fit in my 47 Ford with 351W engine and A/T. The salesperson said it is same radiator that fits in 48 truck. I had the top and bottom hose outlets placed where I wanted them. All the brackets, etc. fit and radiator slide right in. The only problem I had was the inlets for the A/T lines set below the bottom of the radiator frame so I had to notch the frame for access. Roy