Help on removing the radiator shell

[Jemelton#]

Greetings guys.
I am having a small problem trying to remove the radiator shell on my barn find 29 Tudor Sedan. I almost feels like the shell is soldered to the radiator. Is this possible, or is there a trick to removing it?
I have followed the instructions in my copy of Les Andrews’s mechanics handbook up to the point where is says “Slide the radiator shell straight up and off the radiator”. In my case it will not budge an inch up.
Thanks in advance for any advice

[Bob C]

Is it loose at the sides and just stuck at the top??

Bob

[Jemelton#]

Yes Bob, Both sides are loose, and I can rock the shell fore and aft, side to side, just not up.

[Big hammer]

Could be rusted to the tabs where it was bolted/screwed together?
A little prying with puddy knife to separate it?
I type too slow :-(

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by Jemelton#

Yes Bob, Both sides are loose, and I can rock the shell fore and aft, side to side, just not up.

The hole in the top of the shell that fits over the filler neck is a very tight fit.

Try rocking it upwards using some heavy oil or grease.

Larry

[kd4lok]

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My radiator shell is currently off for new welting. Lifts off easily. If the four side mounting bolts have been removed and sides are free, the problem would seem to be around the radiator neck area.

[Brentwood Bob]

I have seen the radiator shell wear a groove in the radiator neck. That may be something to look for.
Bob

[d.j. moordigian]

Uhhh,......is the cap off?

[Jemelton#]

Originally Posted by d.j. moordigian

Uhhh,......is the cap off?

LOL yes it's off
Thanks for the help, I will keep at it, perhaps a little blasting powder will do the trick.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Jemelton#

LOL yes it's off
Thanks for the help, I will keep at it, perhaps a little blasting powder will do the trick.

That always works, but the results are mixed.

[Larry Jenkins]

Bob has a good point. I have seen that groove.

Drop the shell back down and try to file off the ridge with a small smooth file, like a "point" file.

A little lube; two hands and some wiggling will work.

Larry

[700rpm]

"A little lube; two hands and some wiggling will work."

Don't say it, Horton. Leave it alone...

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

"A little lube; two hands and some wiggling will work."

Don't say it, Horton. Leave it alone...

Wow! First time my mind didn't go that way..

One's enough..

Larry

[SeaSlugs]

should also remember after 80 years its very much possible someones soldered it down.

when you rock it side to side can you see the shell rock side to side on the neck?

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by SeaSlugs

should also remember after 80 years its very much possible someones soldered it down.

when you rock it side to side can you see the shell rock side to side on the neck?

Might be. 28/29s were not stainless.. Got a torch? Carefully.

Larry

[ericr]

repro '29 radiators, in my observation, do not have the identical neck on them as did the original. the original had some slop factored into its design that allows the shell to wiggle a little, making it easier to attach the brackets.

[700rpm]

The repros I have seen are '28s. The emboss around the crank hole is'28 and the holes for the headlight conduits are too small. Also, I haven't seen one that is nickel plated or that has a correct front-on profile. Good originals are rare, but try to find one if you can. Sorry, this is off topic. Glad the OP got his problem solved.

[Mike V. Florida]

He got it off;

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=184988