The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by 53MERC

Next will be a gas tank. Are you able to measure that gas tank that you have sitting in your 53' parts car?
Remember the gas tank on Ebay? Heres the measurements that he states in his ad:
Tank measures 31 1/2" x 23" x 8"

I'm wondering if those measurements match the tank you have before I consider ordering one.

Thanks for your help,
Doug

I'd say its a match. I measured this one, took a few pictures. The top of the tank is pretty near rust free but I see a couple of holes in the bottom. As well as the huge dent from the fork lift.

[53MERC]

Ralph,
Thanks so much for doing that for me. It makes me feel a lot better ordering one off of Ebay now.
-Doug-

[53MERC]

Originally Posted by Ford Freak

Does anyone make an aluminum one for your car ? If so , how much ?

I believe an aluminum one is $865.

http://www.usradiator.com/mercury-19...diator.html#HE

[53MERC]

Originally Posted by FlatheadTed

Sound like you have been using it as is ,pretty beat up ! as a tampery measure lay it face down and fill it with washing soda for 2/3 days then water blast it through the top, straighten the fins as the others have said ,you can get a model A plastic Shroud that might fit ,within a 1" of the fan will do or you could cut it , Or you could make one .

Actually, I just bought the car two weeks ago. I have never driven it yet. I bought it and had it towed right to a repair shop because the carb was leaking at the upper gasket. I have ordered a carb rebuild kit. The mechanic took me for a quick drive to show me how smooth the car runds and drives.
He loved it so much that he wanted to buy it from me. LOL.

I saw the radiator leaking when we got back from the drive, so I know that needs to be repaired or replaced.
The gas tank has loose rust in it because I see it sitting in the glass bowl filter.
Slowly but surely I wil get it back on the road again.

[FlatheadTed]

Good Nice car ,a lot of Radiator shops don't like messing with old Radiators ,a good one is best for the Flathead ,

[Merc Cruzer]

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Originally Posted by 53MERC

OK Folks, I got my original 53 Monterey radiator out. I'm taking it in on Monday to see if the radiator shop can repair it. Hopefully he doesn't slam the door on me. LOL. I'm not sure why the fan would have beaten the heck out of it?
What do you think? Does it look like a goner?
Has anyone had one repaired that looks this bad?

Has anyone added a fan shroud to a 52 or 53 model?

Fingers crossed.

Here's the only new radiator that I have been able to find for my car. It's $714.
Shhhhhh, don't tell the wife.

http://www.usradiator.com/mercury-1939-1956-car-1952-53-v8-flathead-radiator.html

Take the radiator out of the car. Since we are all locked up anyway, what you need is a good radiator comb. You could have that looking like new in a day.

[Ford Freak]

Originally Posted by 53MERC

I believe an aluminum one is $865.

http://www.usradiator.com/mercury-19...diator.html#HE

Yikes !! I guess that option is out .

[Merc Cruzer]

Time to start finding salvage yards in your area that have old cars. It can be a fun day just walking through the cars seeing what is left that you can use. It will also give you a chance to see parts of the car that you would never otherwise see.

[53MERC]

Originally Posted by Ford Freak

Yikes !! I guess that option is out .

LOL. Yeah, I thought that was the price for a GOLD one!

[tubman]

I'm wondering how much difference there can be between a $285 aluminum radiator for a "shoebox" Ford and an $865 unit for your Mercury? I know I would at least look into it.

[53MERC]

I think thats the way it will end up in the long run. I bought the car cheap enough and knew I would have to do some repairs. I thought the radiator, gas tank, and floor pans would be interchangeable with Fords, but no such luck.

[53MERC]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

Time to start finding salvage yards in your area that have old cars. It can be a fun day just walking through the cars seeing what is left that you can use. It will also give you a chance to see parts of the car that you would never otherwise see.

Wow! Thats a fun looking salvage yard. Is that by you?

[53MERC]

Originally Posted by tubman

I'm wondering how much difference there can be between a $285 aluminum radiator for a "shoebox" Ford and an $865 unit for your Mercury? I know I would at least look into it.

Dumb question.....
Would I send mine in and have someone build me an aluminum one, or are you saying there may be one out there that would bolt right up?
I'm not finding anyone on line that sells one for my car except US Radiator for $713.
Anyone you could recommend for a cheaper option?

Maybe someone with a 53' Merc that has replaced their radiator can chime in?

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by 53MERC

Wow! Thats a fun looking salvage yard. Is that by you?

They (2) are about 50 miles north of here. But have to believe there are ones around you too.

[tubman]

Here's one for $209.95 and free shipping. It has dimensions so you can measure yours and see if it's close.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1948-1949-1...&hash=item2cb3

[1931 flamingo]

I would try calling...........ShoeBox Ford.........they might be able to help with interchangeability.
Paul in CT

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by tubman

Here's one for $209.95 and free shipping. It has dimensions so you can measure yours and see if it's close.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1948-1949-1...&hash=item2cb3

Factory .....................................Alum
Core width - 20" ....................... 20 7/8"
Overall width - 24" ......................24 3/4
Overall height - 26".......................28 1/2"
Top hose - 1 1/4" ..........................1 1/4"
Bottom hose - 1 3/4".....................1 3/4"



Factory 53' Merc radiator

[Cecil/WV]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

Time to start finding salvage yards in your area that have old cars. It can be a fun day just walking through the cars seeing what is left that you can use. It will also give you a chance to see parts of the car that you would never otherwise see.

I bet that yard would have a pillar mounted dome light switch for my '48 Ford, but, alas, it is too far for me to drive out and see!

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by 53MERC

I think thats the way it will end up in the long run. I bought the car cheap enough and knew I would have to do some repairs. I thought the radiator, gas tank, and floor pans would be interchangeable with Fords, but no such luck.

According to this EMS Automotive video much of the floor panel patches are the same between Ford and Mercury for 52-54.
https://youtu.be/kWW0EkvgRQQ

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by Cecil/WV

I bet that yard would have a pillar mounted dome light switch for my '48 Ford, but, alas, it is too far for me to drive out and see!

It has been awhile since I have been up there:

HWY 34 Auto & Truck Sales Inc
8405 U.S. Hwy34
Windsor, CO 80550

Cell: 970-590-5478 ask for Charles
Phone 970-686-9391 ask for Charles
Fax 970 686-1202
[email protected] attention Charles