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30 Ford V8 flathead, What Radiator?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by twistedridez, Aug 8, 2012.

  1. twistedridez
    Joined: Aug 21, 2008
    Posts: 112

    twistedridez
    Member

    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?
     
  2. HomemadeHardtop57
    Joined: Nov 15, 2007
    Posts: 4,328

    HomemadeHardtop57
    Member

    Save yourself some grief and put a Walker in right away..Something cheaper will fit but won't cool as good.
     
  3. twistedridez
    Joined: Aug 21, 2008
    Posts: 112

    twistedridez
    Member

    What do you look up or ask for?
     
  4. Kiwifruit
    Joined: Apr 21, 2006
    Posts: 199

    Kiwifruit
    Member

    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.
     

  5. twistedridez
    Joined: Aug 21, 2008
    Posts: 112

    twistedridez
    Member

    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!
     
  6. twistedridez
    Joined: Aug 21, 2008
    Posts: 112

    twistedridez
    Member

    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!
     
  7. 4t7flat
    Joined: Apr 15, 2009
    Posts: 266

    4t7flat
    Member

    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.
     
  8. The '32 radiator will not fit in the Model A radiator shell.

    Charlie Stephens
     
  9. Last edited: Aug 9, 2012
  10. Dirty Dug
    Joined: Jan 11, 2003
    Posts: 3,712

    Dirty Dug
    Member

    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.
     
  11. i was under the empression that the 32 radiator would fit the 30 31 shell but not the 28 29.

     
  12. 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
     
  13. banginona40
    Joined: Mar 5, 2007
    Posts: 773

    banginona40
    Member

    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.
     

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