This may have been discussed before, but I do not recall.

Was perusing the 1949 Ford F-2 sales and specifications brochure I have, and noticed under the factory installed options that there was the heavy duty fan and radiator listed. I have the heavy duty fan, as it came with the truck when Dad bought it in 1969-70. Took it off when I rebuilt the engine in 1991 as it roared like a jet engine when at speed (six blades).

Since it had the heavy duty fan, I wonder if my radiator is also the "heavy duty" type. Question is, what made them heavy duty? Extra row of tubes? What are the identifying features?

 

4 rows of tubes vs 3 rows

 

Knew you would come along Ross, nice to chat with you again. Thank you for the confirmation. I suspected it was the number of rows.

Well, I reckon I have the heavy duty radiator as well. Got rows of tubes covering the entire width of the tanks front to back.

Rather solves my problem as to deciding if I want to repair this radiator, or get another. Will repair it, as I figure there aren't a lot of surviving heavy duty radiators left. Just need to find a very good shop to send it to. Have a local shop, but they are reluctant as hell to touch it.

 

Mine was also the 4-row, but the bottom 2" were basically gone. I had it recored with 4 rows, and have never regretted it. But when I did it, it cost about $150, nowadays to do it in brass would cost $600 or so...

 

When was that done for $150, Ross? Man what a deal.... I'd love that.

 

My core appears to be OK, but the stiffeners in the top tank have let loose, and the tank oil cans with the changes on pressure and temp. Need to have it completely disassembled, cleaned, and the stiffeners re-soldered. Shop here in town doesn't want to tackle it.

And yeah, I figure it will cost me a packet, but I want to do it it right, and one time only.

Hell, I just sprang $1300 for all new shackle hardware for the rear suspension, and had springs custom made just like originals. Took 12 weeks to get them made. But when I put them in, I will be done, done, done.

 

It was in '04 that I had mine recored, long time ago. The stiffeners in my top tank had come undone too, so I had them add more. It was undoubtedly caused by using a 12 psi cap (thanks, PO!).

 

Ouch! Twelve PSI cap is not good. I believe the cap on mine is the original, and it certainly is a 4 lb. type. Stiffeners have just let go from time and use.

JPMallory, one of the fine forum members here, sent me a PM and referred me to a shop down where he is in New Albany, IN. Called them just now, G&G Radiator, and they said that, absent severe rot, they could do it. That is what I like to hear, a can-do attitude. As soon as the weather permits, will yazz out the rad. and get it down to them.