We drove the 63 this morning with the new radiator. We had a 350 with a copper radiator before. We upgraded to a 500 Caddy and Brice Thomas built us a radiator. Same dimensions as the copper one but probably 1/2 inch thicker core. With the 350 and copper set up, we ran 210-215 constantly. With the 500 and new radiator, our ride ran 180 for the 40 mile trip this morning.
My partner, B'Ville Butch...and humble self get interested in 500 inch Cads some years back. Butch promptly located and bought 6 of 'em, (2 for the Streamliner that later turned 314 at Bonneville) His regular tow vehicle was a '68 Ford 3/4 ton pickup, which he updated with a 472" Cad. Always ran warm, 200+ degrees to and from B'Ville, from San Jose, CA. Truck ran the large Ford radiator, 3 row, I think...it's been years. Butch was concerned with the engine: ran warm, was 'anemic' on the long haul from Ely, Nev. to Wendover: The Ford 390 used to steam thru that corridor at 80+, (usually 100) but the 472 would do 80 flat out. Butch retroed it with a fresh built 500, and the temp dropped to 180...New Cad 500 pulled the truck to 100+, easily. Bravo, Anthony! Great mills and minds think alike.
Darn set up holds over 5 gallons. the 500 struggled to run cool on our run stand with a generic fit all radiator. I was told Caddys are tough to cool. Did great this morning. And in traffic.
That's awesome man! I bet that thing pulls a bit harder than small block Chevy. Spoke with them on this phone this morning and they're making me a nice radiator for my El Camino. Nice people
It’s seems to pull better. I didn’t push it hard being fresh. Just cruised it around 60 to the show. We had a brake drag issue we fixed in a parking lot. Brake pushrod length too long. But even with the front brakes dragging it pulled hills better than the 350.
Have a BT Alum rad in my 36, cools really well, rad was built off of a ford drawing that I had to approve before they started and apparently the welder who made it was not the best @ reading a drawing spec, sent it back a few times but they worked it out.
Now all it needs is this. Seriously, if I had had an autoshop teacher like you who knows which direction my career path might have gone. Of course Uncle Sam had a say in things around that time as well.
I just used some of that Eastwood Radiator Paint on my pictured International Harvester Truck. Good Stuff! 302cid 1949 KB1 copper and brass original. Rad already had a recore and was still good. Leaked at the upper tank inlet never held pressure. Fixed now. Hey, but by the time one can of spray Paint reached my door step, 27 bucks, ouch!
Thanks for the review. When Walker closed in December, I called Brice Thomas about options for my 34. Just talking, no ordering. Have friend who installed BT aluminum radiator for 32 in his 8BA/29 Essex, but we haven't got it on the road yet, so no real testing.
That is one good looking radiator. I always get a laugh when guys mention Cad 472 or 500 cooling issues thinking that they should run 180 as a 76 Cad 500 comes from the factory with a 205 thermostat in it.
I’ve only drove it this one time. I was surprised at the 180. I can’t remember the temp thermostat, but told the parts guy to hand me what ever the stock recommended temp was.
Did the first big trip with the new radiator From cursing 75 down the interstate or stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, we maintained a constant 180-185 temp. I almost wonder if I should use a warmer T-stat.
The Jalopy Journal
