Hi guys,

It's been quite awhile since my last post here, which is actually longer than just awhile. To get to the point, my truck, a 1960 F-100 custom cab short bed, is partially disassembled at the moment, the radiator pulled, as well as the thermostat housing, and I've flushed the radiator, which is an old bucket style top, and pulled the petcock from the bottom of the casing. The radiator was loaded with rust and thick gunk, and I need to add a good flushing agent or additive to be sure that it's completely free of buildup. The thermostat housing was the worst of it so far, being so rust eaten and pitted inside the interior of the casing, that I don't really believe it's salvageable in any way, but Ill posts pics later so you guys can be the judge of that. If I'm right, and it's totally wasted, is there another thermostat housing that would work in place of the original, since I haven't had any luck whatsoever in finding an authentic original housing that's less than a hundred. I'm also worried about the condition of the original style side bed, which has been bashed in at the driver side front quarter. Once again, I don't think it's repairable, and I don't want a step side, which I think are ugly(sorry guys, no offense) as a replacement. And I don't know what the chances are of finding a short bed style side, but I'm still looking. Once again, I'll upload pics soon so you guys can get a better idea. The truck ran alright after I did some tweaking and rebuilding the 104 Holley carb, but it still wouldn't idle. I have yet to find out what the issue might be there, since I couldn't really find and idle control screw on the base anywhere. I'm leaving most of the other stuff, such as the glass, which all will have to be replaced, as well as every piece of weather stripping all over the truck. Everything from brake lines to gas lines, shocks, manifold, brake shoes, you name it, has most likely got to be replaced, but it's a slow process, like I said. LMC Trucks has some alright stuff, but I find their prices more on the high side and harder to find parts I need the most from. He's got a lot of surface rust and to a lot of people he would have yesterdays lunch for the crusher, but for $750, I couldn't let him slip out of my hands. I'm not looking to create a show truck, but just a nice new-old stock resto maybe with a little style. Any help you guys can lend is a God-send and I'll do my best to do the same. Thanks again everyone.

From sunny Texas,

Robert

 

you will get plenty of help from the guys here...except maybe Gary because of your stepside comment, hahaha

am I correct to assume you need a thermostat housing for the 223?

 

Yes you are indeed correct; I desperately need a new one that will work in place of the old one, or an original in good shape, as they are incredibly hard to find. either that or I'm looking in the wrong places lol. Any suggestions?

 

What size is the engine? 223 I-6 thermostat housing is different than 292.

EDIT: Nevermind, I see you have a 223. Please when asking questions, list all the pertinent details.

B7C-8592-A .. 223 I-6 Thermostat Housing / 1957/64 all trucks / Obsolete

No Ford Dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any.

At one time, you could buy this housing from NAPA and etc autoparts stores, brand name: Everhot.

There are a couple of TX Ford obsolete parts vendors, you might call and see if either has a user.

Antique Auto Supply-Arlington: 817-275-2381 / NOS Parts LTD-Waxahachie: 972-937-2201.

 

I'm sure one of the guys may have one laying around. I just googled 223 thermostat housing and came up with this. Says for Fairlane you would have to confirm, but its a start. $7

1960 FORD FAIRLANE 3.6L 223 cubic inch L6 Cooling System : Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet Auto Parts

 

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. Btw, whats the best way to flush your engine of heavy gunk and rust deposits? I'm also concerned about the state of the water pump too. I'm sure it's probably heavily corroded inside the casing. Also, I'm having to regrind the rims back down because their very pitted with rust and the tires leak around the beading. Any info there? Thanks again.

Robert

 

C0AE-8594-A .. 223 I-6 Thermostat Housing / 1960/64 Ford Passenger Car 223 I-6 / Obsolete

I doubt this will work, the gasket is the same as the trucks, but 1960/64 Ford car 223's have a surge tank that mounts between the block and the radiator.

So, this housing will be a different shape, the length won't be the same either.

Click on the link, look at the pic of the housing, then compare it with yours.

 

Ok, so is it better to try and hunt down an original than try to find an adaptable housing?

 

Read my posts 4 & 7 again. You can also search Hemmings Motor News - Ford Parts 1954 and up.

Before the internet, Hemmings Motor News (hemmings.com) was about it for locating parts. 100's of 1,000's of people subscribed, far more than the other rag, Cars & Parts.

 

Alright, Just came back in for the day and I wanted to share some pics to you guys so you can see exactly what's going on. Right now I've grinded the thermostat housing as much as I could with what I had to work with. I couldn't get every little spot but you guys can be the judge whether saveable or toast. I also took some pics inside the water spouts of the engine just above the water pump and inside the radiator from the top and of the radiator itself. I don't know exactly the best way to flush the gunk out or what the best flush to use for it. Also what do you think of the inside manifold. Thanks again

 

Btw, the pics are in my garage section guys. You can checkout everything there. thanks.

 

Glad you are working on the 'ol 223. While you housing looks rough, it might well last longer than you think. If you don't come across a replacement, I would wire brush out the inside a bit as well and then repaint and install. By the looks of the pics I didn't see any holes. The thinest spot appeared to be where the hose will be? Well, anyway, that's just my thoughts on it.

By the way, Ch**y made step side trucks and Ford made flare side boxes.

 

Actually, if you have a place near enough that would bake and shoot it... It might be fine. You just want the rust dealt with on the interior on the housing. As for the radiator... I'd probably try soaking it a tub of radiator cleaner...

 

I have baked parts in the kitchen stove before, after the war dept. had gone to town. We she got back home, it smelled like the old truck had been parked in the house running for awhile!

 

Thanks man, I really appreciate the input. Yeah, the housing still appears to be solid, but I'm not sure where I might a wire wheel that doesn't go on something as small as it like a dremel, lol. Also, I'm not sure where I might be able to find the adjusting petcock that fits into the threads below the intake spout(some rust there too; hard to get at), so if anyone else has an idea, I would greatly appreciate the gesture. Btw, would it be a good thing to try and use a grinding wheel on the thermostat housing, if that would even be possible to do, to make sure it seals well, because I had problems with it sealing long before I even tried to take a wire wheel to it, and I ended up using that stuff that you can cut and make your own gaskets out of which turned out to be a n awful mess and it took four tries to actually work, so it worries me about that as far as grinding it to make it smoother and perhaps seal easier and tighter. also, I'm planning to buy a full gasket kit for the body, cv joints and engine altogether very soon. I'm saving the things like the glass, paint, suspension, and carpeting , as well as all the cosmetic issues. Another question: would it be better to upgrade to a more modern alternator. I want to keep the truck a straight six but put as much power into it as humanly and mechanically possible. Anyway, things keep rolling and I'll keep them going as much as I can. Thanks guys for everything.

Blessings and greetings from sunny Texas

Robert