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Technical 1950 Ford Shoebox

Discussion in 'Traditional Customs' started by A.Rykowski, Aug 13, 2014.

  1. A.Rykowski
    Joined: Aug 13, 2014
    Posts: 48

    A.Rykowski

    Hi everyone, new here so I may not be posting this in the right place. I have a 50 Shoebox that was an original flat 6. I'm converting to a 302 with a C4. Wondering if anyone has ever made this swap and retained the original radiator?
     
  2. flamingokid
    Joined: Jan 5, 2005
    Posts: 2,200

    flamingokid
    Member

    We swapped out a flathead v-8 for a 302.We went with a larger radiator.Welcome to the HAMB !
     
  3. A.Rykowski
    Joined: Aug 13, 2014
    Posts: 48

    A.Rykowski

    Thank you for the response and for the welcome!


    Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
     
  4. jodell
    Joined: Feb 22, 2010
    Posts: 82

    jodell
    Member
    from Irvine, CA

    I would second the suggestion to install a newer, better radiator to handle the heat of the larger engine.
    Jeff
     

  5. A.Rykowski
    Joined: Aug 13, 2014
    Posts: 48

    A.Rykowski

    Thanks Jeff. The main reason I'm even asking is that I can't seem to find a radiator that will mount forward of the core support (as the 6cyl cars did) with the inlet and outlet ports in the factory locations. I don't want to have to cut the upper core support and further, I already have the engine with a driver side waterpump. Can anyone suggest a manufacturer for an aftermarket radiator? Certainly don't mind paying the price.


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  6. RICK R 44
    Joined: Dec 13, 2009
    Posts: 474

    RICK R 44
    Member

    Another option would be to have your rad re-cored with a high efficiency core and have the inlets moved to a suitable loc'n. Did that with my v8 flatty rad and it keeps my 322 nailhead cool.
     
  7. Finnrodder
    Joined: Oct 18, 2009
    Posts: 2,970

    Finnrodder
    Member
    from Finland

  8. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 31,174

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

    yep - Mustang - there are 2 to 4 row available. also, need to figure out where you will put trans cooler without blocking radiator.
     
  9. A.Rykowski
    Joined: Aug 13, 2014
    Posts: 48

    A.Rykowski

    That mustang set up looks like it'll work great. Awesome feedback guys, thank you so much


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  10. flatheadpete
    Joined: Oct 29, 2003
    Posts: 10,478

    flatheadpete
    Member
    from Burton, MI

    I run a stock 6cyl radiator in mine. Never even gets close to getting hot....maybe 160*.
     
  11. ahshoe
    Joined: Sep 12, 2012
    Posts: 963

    ahshoe
    Member

    I used the original radiator for years with great results. I had to have the radiator shop plate off the extra top tank hole.Later I did eventually go to a Walker one specifically for a 49-51 Ford
     
  12. F-ONE
    Joined: Mar 27, 2008
    Posts: 3,271

    F-ONE
    Member
    from Alabama

    Ever notice how tiny as Mustang/Fairlane radiator is vs how large the 49-51 6 or V8 radiator is?
    The stock radiator, in good condition is more than adequate. Hey and it fits like it was made for the car.

    On a side note, the 7ha six had a reputation of being a better runner with superior performance in stock form than the V-8.
     
  13. Buddy Palumbo
    Joined: Mar 30, 2008
    Posts: 3,871

    Buddy Palumbo
    Member

    I've fit a Fox Body Mustang radiator in 2 small block Ford equipped Shoeboxes . I have some pics in my build thread (click the link in my sig below) . This setup in minimally invasive , uses stock Fox Body upper & lower rad hoses & cools very well using off the shelf Mustang stuff available at any AutoZone & such . Good luck with your swap & keep us posted on your build !
     
  14. A.Rykowski
    Joined: Aug 13, 2014
    Posts: 48

    A.Rykowski

    You have a very good point about the mustang radiators. It's kind Of funny, my brother thought I was nuts for even questioning if the stick radiator was enough. Guess I have to tell him he's right hahaha


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  15. loose49
    Joined: Aug 4, 2012
    Posts: 447

    loose49
    Member
    from tucson az

    yo when I started mine yrs ago I put a 350 in but was so broke took my flathead radiator to a shop and had them block off one hole on top and one on the bottom ran it for three yrs. just know where your hoses come out top and bottom good luck it works
     
  16. BRENT
    Joined: Jun 22, 2005
    Posts: 252

    BRENT
    Member

    I used a 3 core mustang rad in my box when I did the chevy 350 swap and it did NOT have the capacity to keep it cooled. I switched to a Walker rad I had sitting around that was made for a 32 Ford grill and was made specific for a SBC and now I have no cooling issues. I have also heard that a 55 chevy rad will work good and after looking at a 1962 Cadillac rad I'm sure that could be made to fit also. Its a shame about the mustang rad though it really fit inside nice.
     
  17. A.Rykowski
    Joined: Aug 13, 2014
    Posts: 48

    A.Rykowski

    Thanks for the heads up Brent. I'm thinking I'm going to just spend the $$ on an aftermarket with built in trans cooler. Superior Radiator in Michigan has them for the shoebox sbf or sbc for $350.00. They look pretty nice


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  18. LOW LID DUDE
    Joined: Aug 16, 2007
    Posts: 1,223

    LOW LID DUDE
    Member
    from Colorado

    nice ride ! you are going to get many smiles per gallon when cruzin.
     
    A.Rykowski likes this.
  19. BRENT
    Joined: Jun 22, 2005
    Posts: 252

    BRENT
    Member

    I would go that route if I were you! 350 sounds like a steal. The real issue with the Mustang rad was that it just did not have enough capacity of coolant to keep cool even with a electric fan. With the larger rad it had more coolant holding capacity and that solved the problem. When you look at the mustang rad it only measured something like 18" x 20" or something of that nature...not very big and had me wondering right from the start if it was big enough. Maybe there is different sizes of the Mustang rad like something say for a 390 or 351 but I'm no Ford expert...maybe someone would know more on this subject. The rad From the 32 grill measured something like 18" x 27" if I remember.. that extra bit helped.
     
  20. 4rod
    Joined: Feb 4, 2008
    Posts: 806

    4rod
    Member

    I have a 302 in my 50...original flathead trans{changed bellhousing} n rad check out the build page
     

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