Radiator Shroud

[johnsor]

Does a radiator shroud improve the Model A radiator efficiency/cooling by the 20-25% as claimed? Seems that $80+ is overpriced for a piece of plastic, but if it works as claimed??

[columbiA]

If your car is overheating,the cooling system is partially plugged or the timing is off or the belt is too loose etc,not because it needs a fan shroud.Ford eliminated the shroud after 28 because it wasnt needed.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by johnsor

Seems that $80+ is overpriced for a piece of plastic, ...

As they were only used for a short time and are only "needed" for fine point, it is a low demand part so the price is higher then one might expect.

[johnsor]

Understandable. But if its mainly used for fine point judging, how can a plastic shroud qualify for that? I doubt Henry's was plastic, but don't know.

[mass A man]

To answer your question, in my little 'ole opinion, Yes. A rad. shroud would help in cooling. The old Franklin auto's depended on them since they were air cooled. They also used cooling fins on the cylinders. I do agree with the previous replies also.

[Joe K]

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Originally Posted by mass A man

To answer your question, in my little 'ole opinion, Yes. A rad. shroud would help in cooling. The old Franklin auto's depended on them since they were air cooled. They also used cooling fins on the cylinders. I do agree with the previous replies also.

And I'll add a caviet to that. The shroud will help ONLY at low speed where the airplane action of the fan is the major air mover through the radiator. At speeds above about 30 mph, the motion of the car through the air is the greatest effect - the fan actually holds the air back. And ditto the shroud.

My diesel VW when idling uses the fan on-off-on-off on about 30 seconds each. At roadway speeds the fan NEVER comes on - and this with increased engine heating due to the loading.

Joe K

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by johnsor

Understandable. But if its mainly used for fine point judging, how can a plastic shroud qualify for that? I doubt Henry's was plastic, but don't know.

If missing you get no points. If something is there you some points.

[lookin-backtexas]

The original '28 fan shroud was metal - not plastic.
Fred

[Richard in Anaheim CA]

I'm sure Johnsor is referring to the plastic fan shroud the vendors now sell.

EVERY modern car since the '50's runs a fan shroud. I have one sitting in the box in my garage. I installed an air conditioner a and have every intention of installing it. It will require some trimming to clear the compressor and belt.

The alternator and compressor are pretty obvious modifications so why not a fan shroud.

I'll let you know how it works when I get it installed.

Richard
Anaheim CA

[ctvpa]

Well MHO, I just finished a 5 year ground up of my beloved 28 Tudor, and I did put a plastic shroud. I also have the 'top of the line' Brass works Radiator. The shroud fits nice, and on a recent 95 degree day, I ran cool while others were hot. Flip a coin is it the shroud or the great new cooling system.
The shroud is well built, heavy quality, and perfect fit. I don't know why someone has not made a metal one. I have considered it and now have an original to use as a model.
Only issue is the attachment is that cheap yellow metal parts, that you have to bend and twist to make it fit. The holes do not line up. and modification was mandatory.

[Duffy1]

I put a plastic shroud purchased from Snyders on my 31 sw with bw radiator and AC . Bolted right up no trimming or bending .