Which coolant recovery tank for 1956 Thunderbird

[zuburg]

I have a new radiator ordered. I was planning on adding a coolant recovery tank.

Has anyone already installed one on an early bird and have recommendations for any that easily installed, as well as location you installed? If you have a picture that would be great. I was hoping for one that could be installed on the wheel well on the driver’s size.

[paul2748]

CASCO has a kit for the early birds. Couple of my friends are using it. I don't need it


It mounts on the right side on the bulkhead near the radiator which is a better place since there is no horn relay near an is near the over fill drain

[zuburg]

I just bought a “bolt on” aluminum radiator that is supposed to be for 1955-57 Tbirds, but the overflow tube is on the drivers side. I’ll try to find something that works.

[55blacktie]

I have one of those kits. It's easy to install, cheap, and, in my opinion, cheaply made. Make sure the hose is secure, or you'll find a puddle of coolant on the ground. I would be willing to pay more for a better quality, more attractive recovery tank.

[dmsfrr]

Ditto, the white plastic boxes look cheap and out of place no matter where they are under the hood.

[KULTULZ]

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Here is the accessory kit from CASCO -

https://www.classictbird.com/Coolant...ctinfo/8005RK/

It is gnarly looking. Last thing I would want to see (other than a INTERSTATE BATTERY and STANT RAD CAP when the hood was opened.

[paul2748]

I agree that it looks like crap, but have seen some that were painted black so it doesn't stick out so much.
\
What's the matter with a Stant radiator cap ???

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by paul2748

What's the matter with a Stant radiator cap ???

You're kidding, right ...

Any-who -

GOOGLE - COOLANT RECOVERY TANKS - SUMMIT RACING - and it will give you ideas.

[paul2748]

who me ????

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

You're kidding, right ...

[paul2748]

There are cylindrical recovery tanks that look good although I
m not sure they would fit. Sunmmit and Jegs carry them. I have them on two cars, works good.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by paul2748

... who me ????

Actually, they came thru with an AC cap.

[KULTULZ]

Who would've thought -

https://thebrassworks.net/collection...cannnot-see-it

They have other designs that also would not be conspicuous.

[KULTULZ]

Has anyone come up with an idea yet?

The CASCO 8005RK looks nice other than the fill cap. It needs to be translucent to see the coolant level. If one could find a later style fill cap to fit, it would look nicer (IMO).

Here is an alum tank (black - similar in design) that has a sight glass and drain valve. It's measurements are on the ad itself.

- https://www.summitracing.com/parts/m...-1lbk#overview

Can anyone give a measurement of the open area to see what shape/size bottle will fit?

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by paul2748

I agree that it looks like crap, but have seen some that were painted black so it doesn't stick out so much.

Well, now let me ask you something. If painted black how would one monitor coolant level?

What's the matter with a Stant radiator cap ???

You're serious, right?

... rattle ... rattle ...

[paul2748]

I never heard anything bad about Stant caps. Are they junk ?


I believe they left a small vertical line unpainted to check level

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Well, now let me ask you something. If painted black how would one monitor coolant level?



You're serious, right?

... rattle ... rattle ...

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by paul2748

I never heard anything bad about Stant caps. Are they junk?

No Paul, they offer a very fine product(s).

We talk at completely different levels on cars so why not we just stop the bickering here?

If a poster is not a purist and only seeks the quickest and cheapest repair, ADVANCE AUTO has a site where questions can be posted. They even have the needed CHINESIUM PARTS to effect the repair.

[miker98038]

Like Paul shows in post #10, there’s all kinds of small cylindrical tanks, aluminum, stainless, finned, etc. I used one for years, mounted with a large Adele (?) clamp. You don’t need a lot of volume, just a lower inlet to the radiator and a top outlet. Might not even need a top hose once the system is fully purged.

Look at the street rod sites. If you don’t like them polished, a little work with 600 grit or a bead blaster makes them fit in.

[KULTULZ]

I think a coolant catch can (necessary for track) and coolant expansion/recovery tank(s) are being confused here. A recovery tank needs to hold at least one quart of coolant.

Please note the difference(s) before hanging one.

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

The CASCO 8005RK looks nice other than the fill cap. It needs to be translucent to see the coolant level. If one could find a later style fill cap to fit, it would look nicer (IMO).

[KULTULZ]

- FOUND IT! -

Let MECUM try to figure that one out ...