So I'm putting a 49 ford flathead in my 30 pickup, what radiator should I use? What will fit in the grill shell? What give the best cooling?
Save yourself some grief and put a Walker in right away..Something cheaper will fit but won't cool as good.
I'm running a walker in my 30 roadster with 59A Flathead, if its not chanelled then a 1932 style Radiator fits just right. the earlier (28-29) model A's have a shorter cowl & need a shorter radiator for everything to line up.
Ah The 32 fits. Thanks! This is my first Model A build and I am dangerous! I've built 60's cars, trucks custom bikes but I got to say this model A thing is a totally different animal! I'm driving myself nutz along with a local guy who builds some wild machines!
By The way Homemadehardtop57, I've seen your car at a couple shows,the aluminum top you built is amazing! Every time I see it I stand there in awe at the rivet work!
If it won't cool with a walker,it just won't cool. I have two Walker radiators,and one,Be-cool aluminum. The aluminum one is junk(I did not buy it),you get what you pay for.
Brass works is an alliance vendor, also you can call US Radiator. Brassworks: http://www.thebrassworks.net/streetrod_radiator_fordlist.aspx "1930-31 Ford Radiator, Options: Flathead set-up" US Radiator: http://www.usradiator.com/ford-1928-1953-car-1930-31-v8-flathead-radiator-6744.html "1930-31 V8 Flathead core size - 22 x 17-7/8, rows - 4"
Don't be too sure a '32 radiator, ordered as just that, will just bolt in. There are a number of variables. You may want to do some measuring and strait-edging to make sure your grill shell is at the correct height. You don't want it too high. Take your time.
The top tank of a '32 radiator comes out at a slight angle and extends about 1 inch beyond the fins in the front. The attachment for the hood hinge is different. The fill neck is also in slightly the wrong location. I believe the overall height, width and thickness (except for the top tank) is correct when comparing the '32 with a '30-'31. Charlie Stephens
Get the grille shell to line up with the cowl the way you want it first. Then make a mock up of the radiator out of plywood or card board and compare the measurements with available sizes. If nothing quite matches you can then send the mock up to a radiator shop and have them build to that size. I have used U.S. radiator twice and both times worked great. You may also be able to modify a Mustang radiator or similar.