Radiator Question,
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 474
Likes: 1
From: Thirroul, Australia
Radiator Question,
For you guys out there with modify trucks, I am asking which way did you go in the way of a raditor. Did you use a stock radiator or a modify one. Just need some info in that department.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
I use a stock (6 cyl) radiator in front of my 351C. I also use an electric fan without a shroud. It has worked very well so far.
I plan on adding AC and towing an RV trailer with the rig though, and may need to upgrade after those additions. Time will tell.
I plan on adding AC and towing an RV trailer with the rig though, and may need to upgrade after those additions. Time will tell.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 929
Likes: 0
From: S.C.
I installed an aluminum 2-row (1" tubes), stainless flex hoses, hav'nt fashioned a shroud yet...was gonna look at the universal stainless ones like Summit sells.
I think I have an air pocket in the system that I need to bleed out-temp guage and sender are new but seem to read a little high...I think its because of an air pocket.
If budget had been bigger I think I would have gone for a custom built copy of the original (all polished up)!
Ed
I think I have an air pocket in the system that I need to bleed out-temp guage and sender are new but seem to read a little high...I think its because of an air pocket.
If budget had been bigger I think I would have gone for a custom built copy of the original (all polished up)!
Ed
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,955
Likes: 9,727
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Go to the US Radiator and the RadiatorBarn websites, both places have great online catalogs that will give you all the dimensions on radiators from different makes and models. You can also get all the dimensions, including inlet/outlet size and locations as well as mounting bracket info.
After you have narrowed your search down you can order the radiator online or sometimes you can get lucky and pick one up from your local auto parts store.
If the inlet/outlet size doesn't match your engines inlet/outlet you can get step up/step down radiator hose bushings from NAPA Auto in 1/4" increments from 1 1/2" up to 3"
In my case I'm using a mid 70's Dodge truck radiator in my 49 F1 with a 500ci Caddy
I have heard that mid 70's Ford truck radiators are almost a direct bolt in for the 53-56 trucks
Happy hunting
Bobby
After you have narrowed your search down you can order the radiator online or sometimes you can get lucky and pick one up from your local auto parts store.
If the inlet/outlet size doesn't match your engines inlet/outlet you can get step up/step down radiator hose bushings from NAPA Auto in 1/4" increments from 1 1/2" up to 3"
In my case I'm using a mid 70's Dodge truck radiator in my 49 F1 with a 500ci Caddy
I have heard that mid 70's Ford truck radiators are almost a direct bolt in for the 53-56 trucks
Happy hunting
Bobby
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 108
From: Northshore, MN
Originally Posted by e william
I installed an aluminum 2-row (1" tubes), stainless flex hoses, hav'nt fashioned a shroud yet...was gonna look at the universal stainless ones like Summit sells.
I think I have an air pocket in the system that I need to bleed out-temp guage and sender are new but seem to read a little high...I think its because of an air pocket.
If budget had been bigger I think I would have gone for a custom built copy of the original (all polished up)!
Ed
I think I have an air pocket in the system that I need to bleed out-temp guage and sender are new but seem to read a little high...I think its because of an air pocket.
If budget had been bigger I think I would have gone for a custom built copy of the original (all polished up)!
Ed
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 7
From: Melbourne Australia
My local radiatorplace made me up a Commodore one with the necks adjusted to suit for my 52!
Just take your measurements to one of the local places and one of the mid 80s/early 90s car radiators will do the job behind your clevo!
Just take your measurements to one of the local places and one of the mid 80s/early 90s car radiators will do the job behind your clevo!
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
From: White Hall , Illinois
I ordered one from Mid-Fifty with the copper top says it can handle anything you can throw at it. Don't know yet , not running. i also picked up a fancy stainless mounting bracket with it. Looks good hope it cools as good. Time will tell. Getting closer each day.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Atwater, CA
Griffin 2 row radiator. 1 1/4" tubes. Core thinkness 2 3/4". Tank width 3". Special order with mounting bracket attached flush with the engine side of the radiator instead of the center of the radiator (this created more room for the fan - radiator sits closer to the front of the pickup). Modified the radiator support so the radiator sits lower - top of the radiator tank almost even with the top of the radiator valance, I also added two mounting brackets to the radiator support for the overflow tank. Custom fan shroud with electric puller fan. Used ford shock absorber bushings between the radiator support and the mounting brackets to isolate the radiator from vibration. Looks great and performs well.
Shane
1956 F100
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
From: Highland Village, TX
Originally Posted by bobbytnm
I have heard that mid 70's Ford truck radiators are almost a direct bolt in for the 53-56 trucks
Happy hunting
Bobby
Happy hunting
Bobby
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,955
Likes: 9,727
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Cool,
I don't remember, its been several years now and more than a few good parties but I don't think I paid more than $125 for my radiator from the local parts store
Bobby
I don't remember, its been several years now and more than a few good parties but I don't think I paid more than $125 for my radiator from the local parts store
Bobby
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 448
Likes: 1
From: La Mesa (East San Diego)
Hey E William...remember if your engine is newly rebuilt and under 3000 miles, it may run a little hotter than normal. Mine still does at 2000 miles after the rebuild but is getting better. The shroud helps especially in stop and go traffic.
Dan
Dan
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