radiator solutions please !!!
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
radiator solutions please !!!
In my 53 ford running a 390 stock I am looking for ideas on radiators. I just need a radiator to get this moving and about tapped for cash on my rebuild of this truck. Do you have any ideas for the cooling as in junk yard,used or the such. I 
know I can get a new griffin or such but just dont have the 400 scoots right now. Can you guys give me some ideas on cooling from your own experiences and different applications. Thanks so much . DJ
know I can get a new griffin or such but just dont have the 400 scoots right now. Can you guys give me some ideas on cooling from your own experiences and different applications. Thanks so much . DJ
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,017
Likes: 9,972
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I'm not sure about the 53-56 trucks and the placement of the inlet and outlets that you would need for a Ford 390. In my 49 F1 with Caddy engine I'm running a 4 core radiator from a mid 70's Dodge truck. I ordered it through the local parts store and I think I paid $125 (couple of years ago)
I did alot of research about radiator sizes and models that they fit at sites like;
http://webbase.transpro.com/radcat/
http://www.radiatorexpress.com/default.asp
then I would look up the application at the local parts store such as
http://www.autozone.com/home.htm
http://www.partsamerica.com/Default.aspx
Most of the radiator numbers cross over, and even if the stores con't carry the model # that you want they will usually order it in at no extra cost. Even if you have to go to a wrecking yard, the two radiator sites listed above can give you an idea of what kind of car to look for as they usually list the radiators with all the dimensions and outlet positions.
Good luck
Bobby
I did alot of research about radiator sizes and models that they fit at sites like;
http://webbase.transpro.com/radcat/
http://www.radiatorexpress.com/default.asp
then I would look up the application at the local parts store such as
http://www.autozone.com/home.htm
http://www.partsamerica.com/Default.aspx
Most of the radiator numbers cross over, and even if the stores con't carry the model # that you want they will usually order it in at no extra cost. Even if you have to go to a wrecking yard, the two radiator sites listed above can give you an idea of what kind of car to look for as they usually list the radiators with all the dimensions and outlet positions.
Good luck
Bobby
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 486
Likes: 66
From: South Carolina
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 45
From: Minnesota
If you have the factory radiator can you move the inlets and outlets to where you need them? I bet that would be the least expensive.
Originally Posted by dj53
In my 53 ford running a 390 stock I am looking for ideas on radiators. I just need a radiator to get this moving and about tapped for cash on my rebuild of this truck. Do you have any ideas for the cooling as in junk yard,used or the such. I know I can get a new griffin or such but just dont have the 400 scoots right now. Can you guys give me some ideas on cooling from your own experiences and different applications. Thanks so much . DJ
know I can get a new griffin or such but just dont have the 400 scoots right now. Can you guys give me some ideas on cooling from your own experiences and different applications. Thanks so much . DJ
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 628
Likes: 0
From: High Park, Toronto
Originally Posted by Christopher2
If you have the factory radiator can you move the inlets and outlets to where you need them? I bet that would be the least expensive.
If you've got a good local rad shop and your old rad this may save you a lot of grief fabricating mounts and cutting the front rad baffle.
However, if fabricating is easy for you, and $$ tight, check out those websites offered above and head for the wreckers... it'll be the cheapest but mayube not the prettiest!
GW
Trending Topics
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,924
Likes: 1,052
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: Floriduh
jniolon, thats just MEAN!
The poor guy said he is at the end of his budget....But it IS a nice radiator. Wish I could afford it....But if I put in in my truck, my truck would make it look bad.....So I better not. LOL
The poor guy said he is at the end of his budget....But it IS a nice radiator. Wish I could afford it....But if I put in in my truck, my truck would make it look bad.....So I better not. LOL
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 0
From: Waynesboro, Virginia
I have a 390 in a 54 and use a truck radiator from 73-79 Ford. Nearly perfectly bolts right in after removing the 2 stock "vertical support angles".
I bought a new Supercooler version from local parts store (Auto Zone) and it works outstanding.
I bought a new Supercooler version from local parts store (Auto Zone) and it works outstanding.
Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 736
Likes: 0
From: Owasso Oklahoma USA
This may not be the cheapest solution but US Radiator advertises in the classic truck mags. I had them build a radiator for me to put in my '55 to replace the stock leaker. It was made to fit just as the original and has 4 rows. You can specify where you want the inlet/outlet and if you want trans cooler inlet/outlet. I don't know what their current prices are like but they do make a great product. I would have no problem running a big block Ford with this radiator but am sticking with the 292 Y block.
I have also had good luck having a new core installed on the original tanks at a local shop and going to a 3 or 4 row core. Not as pricey as a new radiator.
I have also had good luck having a new core installed on the original tanks at a local shop and going to a 3 or 4 row core. Not as pricey as a new radiator.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,005
Likes: 2
From: Santa Clarita
I had a radiator from I think a Mustang. It was really small but worked OK. I went to my buddies at Memory Lane and they had a radiator from a 60 Ford F100 completely rebuilt. It's 3 row. I had to fabricate new brackets on the sides, but the top fits great. I took it out and the gauge barely moves off 160 degrees. Spent my 4th of July weekend installing it, but am very excited on the looks and performance.