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Anyone using a stock radiator to cool engine other than original flathead. It seems everyone wants to change to aluminum but is it necessary? If I can change the inlets/outlets should it work just as well? I plan on running clutch fan from original engine which fits nicely inside original shroud. Does anyone know specs on the original rad? My truck is a ‘51 F1.
When I first "restored" my F47 I had my rad core replaced. I am running a 5.0L engine and had a radiator shop build me a rad using the stock frame and new core from a 70's Chev. I paid $325 in 12 years sgo. Last Summer I shopped around to have my radiator repaired, quotes were $1000 for a 3 row, copper core. I reluctantly went with an Aluminum rad from Speedway.
If you have a good stock radiator I would use it. I easily cooled a 56 Buick nailhead V8 driving cross country in late June many years ago flat towing a Model A with good weight in the bed and it was hot coming cross country on I80. I had recored the radiator a year or so before the trip. The picture is loading up for the trip in Ca.
If you have a good stock radiator I would use it. I easily cooled a 56 Buick nailhead V8 driving cross country in late June many years ago flat towing a Model A with good weight in the bed and it was hot coming cross country on I80. I had recored the radiator a year or so before the trip. The picture is loading up for the trip in Ca.
That’s kinda what I figured. If my rad is good then why not. I’d love to use it if I can as to not waste good parts. 👍🏻
When I first "restored" my F47 I had my rad core replaced. I am running a 5.0L engine and had a radiator shop build me a rad using the stock frame and new core from a 70's Chev. I paid $325 in 12 years sgo. Last Summer I shopped around to have my radiator repaired, quotes were $1000 for a 3 row, copper core. I reluctantly went with an Aluminum rad from Speedway.
Oh wow! That is very spendy. I’m thinking if I can flush it really good and have the inlet and outlet relocated/replaced I should be good. What is the reason they would normally need to be recored?
BTW…I’m in Beaumont, AB, what part of the province are you in? 🤔
Nothing wrong with the stock radiator.
A good thing to keep in mind when swapping radiators/engines, etc. You can end up with a weird mishmash of inlet/outlet sizes. You can get rubber reducer bushings in a range from 1 1/2" up to 3" (I think). I got mine through NAPA Auto but I'm pretty sure you can get them through several sources. If you Google "radiator hose bushings" you should come up with numerous options.
