Does anyone have any experience with using a radiator made for the 52 and earlier model V8s in a 53? I need a new, or better condition rad. to replace mine. The replacement Flathead rads I see, are at least twice as much for the 53 as they are for earlier years.
It has been a while since I have posted anything here. my computer is slow to load pages, so painful to spend time here, is it worth while to upgrade?

 

Let's bump this to allow the smart folks to help.

 

Thanks for the bump FortyNiner.

 

The 53 is most likely a one year only radiator as Ford went to the new wider cab design yet kept the flathead V8 with four coolant outlets in 53. I no longer own a 53 or later but I believe the radiator is wider in the 53 and later than they are in the 52 and older. If I am right, brackets could possibly be made to make it fit. Just my before first cup of coffee ramblings.

 

raytasch you are correct, 1 year only for that combination.

$165.00 (1950-1952)with free Shipping. vs. $350.00 ($315.00 + $35.00 Shipping) (1953)
And for 2 outlet (1953-1956) $159.95
Big hit for the xtra 2 outlets.

50 51 52 Ford F1 Pickup Truck Flathead Champion 2 Row Aluminum Radiator EC4252FH | eBay

1953 1954 1955 1956 Ford Truck F 100 Radiator Aluminum for Ford Flat Head Motor | eBay

1953 1954 1955 1956 Ford F 100 Pickup Truck 2 Row Champion Aluminum Radiator | eBay

 

Is your truck overheating now? Have you had the radiator cleaned (rodded out)?

 

Hi ALBUQ F-1,
Radiator is in poor condition, multiple tubes are corroded through. Top tank is badly dented, Many previous repairs.
There was one good Radiator shop in my area, and now they seem to be struggling.
Not sure what it would cost to get this radiator back in shape, re core? cost?

 

Anything can be fixed, but you may be better off with a new radiator. I'm skeptical of the claims that that 3rd one can cool a 900 HP engine, with only two rows. But Champion is definitely one of the best mfr's. In your climate you want a good radiator, and a shroud.

 

Yes, if I knew it could be adapted easily, I would probably pull the trigger on the '50-'52 unit, I was just hoping someone may have done this already with their '53. Save me the experiment cost.

 

So am I. That radiator must have an extremely high heat transfer rate, and maybe a 300 mph wind velocity going through it.

Where : 900 horsepower (hp)
Equals : 2,289,989.90 btu per hour (btu/h)
Fraction : 2,289,989 9/10 btu per hour (btu/h)

 

Could you get a 54-56 radiator and put new holes were you need them for the inlet and outlet hoses. you could even use a 53 6 cyl radiator and do the same.

 

Not all the 900 HP goes into the radiator, but about half does (being generous). Let's take it further...
call it 1.2 million BTUH into the radiator
Q = heat transferred = 500 x GPM x dT
Let's say the water pumps flow 20 gpm
Solving for delta-T (dT), the change in temperature from inlet to outlet,
1.2 x 10^6 = 500 x 20 x dT
dT = 120 degrees
So if water goes into the engine at 140deg, it comes out at 260 deg.

Don't think so....

 

abe, good idea, I wonder what that would cost. I don't know who could do that modification to the aluminum radiator.

 

I measured my '52's radiator so you can compare.

Core width incl. frame: 22-1/4"
Radiator height (bottom to top of tank): 27-1/2"
C-to-C of mounting bolts on flanges: 23-3/4" - 24"
As best I can do with it installed.

 

Thank you Ross.
Looks like the '52 radiator might work.

Measured my '53's Radiator

Core width incl. frame: 23-3/4"
Radiator height (bottom to top of Tank): 27"
Radiator height (bottom to top of Cap): 28"
C-to-C of mounting bolts on flanges: 24-3/4" - 25"