Upgrading Radiator

[rhinosoft]

Hi,

I've just about had it with my original radiator, was perfect until the block cracked and pressurized the radiator and expansion tank - leaks everywhere. The expansion tank is good now but the radiator I've had multiple leaks repaired and again this week, another spot has opened up.

I was thinking of a few solutions, what do you guys think:

• recore existing radiator 4 core?
• replace with a new radiator (custom built)
• as above but do away with expansion tank and have radiator cap installed and hose to manifold (like a Galaxie)
• as above but do not have trans cooler setup in radiator

That last thought would be that I run aluminium pipe in the correct size to a dedicated Derale type cooler behind the axle.

Thanks, I appreciate your feedback

Graeme
p.s Installed in 62' Thunderbird

[Heo]

Recore the stock radiator and use stock expansiontank.
Its there to be the highest point on the coolingsystem
radiator is lower than the engine on the -Bird
After all the stock system worked for 40 plus years
so why change it.Rebuild and it fine for 40 more years

[ScotiaFE]

If your willing to go outside of "it must be stock" then go custom Aluminum.
While I'm spending your money.
A couple of big electric puller fans and Jay's water pump setup don't ever worry about cooling again.
Do away with the engine fan, which I believe the fan causes engine vibration and sucks power.

[fastback 427]

If your cheap like me, try the summit brand triple pass aluminum radiator. They are made by northern, and fully welded. Some fabrication will be needed, but very minor. Also every one seems to like the spal electric fans, but we get the 16" fan out of a late 80's Taurus at the local junkyard for 40 bucks. They have two speed motors and pull 6000 cfm on high.

[ScotiaFE]

I have a Northern "Summit House" in the Fairlane. I like it.
Good price, well made.
There was cutting to fit in the Lane.

[garyv]

Not trying to hijack this but
Howie and Fastback how about posting some pics of your radiator install and
any tips you may have.  Getting ready to put a Summit triple pass and Mark VIII fan
in my 66 Fairlane.  Rough measurements I have taken suggest its going to be a close fit.
Thanks
garyv

[rhinosoft]

No problems Gary, thanks for those that have replied.

Will decide what to do shortly and put up some images if different from stock.

Graeme

[ScotiaFE]

Well, since Graeme does not mind.
My Northern has a funny out pipe at an angle.
You could cut it off and reweld it, but with my welding skills
best just make a pipe to fit. 
I have been rethinking the fan. It's ok, blows a huge pile of air but it does stick out a bit much.
On a cool day I have to put a piece of cardboard in front to get some heat in it.

[Nightmist66]

I have been rethinking the fan. It's ok, blows a huge pile of air but it does stick out a bit much.
On a cool day I have to put a piece of cardboard in front to get some heat in it.

Howie, when you say you have trouble getting heat out of it, is your fan set to run all the time? Do you have something like this installed? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-890016/overview/

[ScotiaFE]

Just the opposite, if it is a really cool day I can not get the heat to stay in it. lol
It will run a bit on the cool side and I have to block some of the rad with a piece of
cardboard to get the temp to stay up around 190* on the highway.
I have it setup to run on a temp sensor or on all the time.

[Nightmist66]

I see. I'm sure a lot of people would like to trade for your "cooling issues", LOL!

[rhinosoft]

Sure is purdy'