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Old 04-26-2020, 08:04 PM   #41
Graeme / New Zealand
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

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

I'm drooling at all those 46/48s' especially the clubbies.

GB
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Old 04-26-2020, 08:13 PM   #42
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

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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!
Aren't those switches a bugger to find? Old originals tend to crumble too. I made one for may car by getting the sliding type from C&G and cutting it down so it would operate in the stock housing then by sheer luck one came up on Trade Me which is like E-Bay over here. I grabbed it for a song.....rare as rocking horse sh#t here. Hope you can find one.

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Old 04-26-2020, 08:44 PM   #43
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

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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
Thanks for looking but that one measures the following according to his ad.
Overall Height: 28 1/2
Overall Width: 25
Core Height: 21 1/2

Pictured are the dimensions of my radiator.
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File Type: jpg rad small 1.jpg (61.9 KB, 15 views)
File Type: jpg rad sml 2.jpg (64.9 KB, 15 views)
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Old 04-26-2020, 09:07 PM   #44
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

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It has been awhile since I have been up there:

HWY 34 Auto & Truck Sales Inc
8405 U.S. Hwy34
Windsor, CO 80550
I haven't been to Martin's in probably 15 yrs, but it was like being in a candy store! I have heard the county was after them on some environmental or OSHA issue and they aren't what they used to be, would be interested to see.
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Old 04-26-2020, 09:30 PM   #45
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

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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
Ralph,
Thanks again! I was told by one of the Ford parts vendors that the front floor pans weren't the same on the Ford and Mercury.
EMS shows they ARE the same. Looking at their :
1952-54 Ford
P/N: 317
FRONT FLOOR

thats exactly what I need.
Once again, thanks for helping me get another part off of my checklist.
BTW- I'm going to be ordering that Ebay gas tank tomorrow.
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Old 04-26-2020, 10:12 PM   #46
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

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Thanks for looking but that one measures the following according to his ad.
Overall Height: 28 1/2
Overall Width: 25
Core Height: 21 1/2

Pictured are the dimensions of my radiator.
I a pinch, I bet I could make that fit; the dimensions look really close. The main problem that I see is that the 'Shoebox" radiator has the mounting flange on the fan side, while the Mercury seems to have it on the grill side. Spacers are easy (and even fun) to make.

It wouldn't be "Concours Correct", but if I had that car, I'd want to get it on the road as soon as possible and worry about the rest later.

But that's just me.
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Old 04-26-2020, 10:33 PM   #47
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

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I a pinch, I bet I could make that fit; the dimensions look really close. The main problem that I see is that the 'Shoebox" radiator has the mounting flange on the fan side, while the Mercury seems to have it on the grill side. Spacers are easy (and even fun) to make.

It wouldn't be "Concours Correct", but if I had that car, I'd want to get it on the road as soon as possible and worry about the rest later.

But that's just me.
Good catch! Thanks for the replies. I do appreciate it. Cars this old are new to me. I'm used to 60's and 70's cars that there are an abundance of parts for.
I bought and sold a 1958 Pontiac Star Chief last year. I bought it because I loved the style, and later found out parts were tough to find. That was an $11,000 purchase. This 53' was only $3000 and runds great, so I have a bit of wiggle room for buying parts before the wife says, "get back outside in your doghouse, and don't ever buy another old car!"
LOL.
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Old 04-26-2020, 10:43 PM   #48
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

"53MERC" - Just an off topic question. Is the "Star Chief" the model of the '58 Pontiac that had the lozenge-shaped insert in the scallop on the rear quarter? The Chieftains had nothing (as well as another lower model that I dn't remember), and the Bonnevilles had that "Rocket Nozzle" thing. I liked the lozenge better. What model is your Pontiac?
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Old 04-26-2020, 10:59 PM   #49
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"53MERC" - Just an off topic question. Is the "Star Chief" the model of the '58 Pontiac that had the lozenge-shaped insert in the scallop on the rear quarter? The Chieftains had nothing (as well as another lower model that I dn't remember), and the Bonnevilles had that "Rocket Nozzle" thing. I liked the lozenge better. What model is your Pontiac?
Here's a picture of the 58' Pontiac Star Chief I owned.
Also, a picture of the 1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 I owned in California back in the late 80's. It resurfaced on Craigslist last year here in NC only 20 miles from my house!!!
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File Type: jpg 67 Firebird small.jpg (85.3 KB, 12 views)
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Old 04-26-2020, 11:06 PM   #50
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

That's the one! If I had my "druthers", I'd rather have a Star Chief 2 DR HDTP than a Bonneville any day.

I had a friend with a '68 Firebird with a 326 and a POWERGLIDE! Two weeks later, it had a Turbo-350!
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Old 04-26-2020, 11:24 PM   #51
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Ya gotta love the old cars. So much style. Some of the dashes on the 50's and 60's cars were so cool looking.
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Old 04-27-2020, 07:57 AM   #52
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

here are the instructions for 53 Ford motor mounts, see if they look like your Merc. When I jacked up the motor in my '50 Ford, I put a 2x4 under the oil pan and used a screw jack to hold the motor up while I took the bolt off the motor mounts so I could replace the water pumps.

https://static.speedwaymotors.com/pdf/910-18025.pdf

I think you can slide the old mounts out once unbolted.
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Old 04-27-2020, 09:00 AM   #53
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

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I a pinch, I bet I could make that fit; the dimensions look really close. The main problem that I see is that the 'Shoebox" radiator has the mounting flange on the fan side, while the Mercury seems to have it on the grill side. Spacers are easy (and even fun) to make.

It wouldn't be "Concours Correct", but if I had that car, I'd want to get it on the road as soon as possible and worry about the rest later.

But that's just me.
You might make a call, or send a note, to the Shoebox radiator guy to inquire, if he might be able to make one up with the flanges on the fan side?
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Old 04-27-2020, 05:30 PM   #54
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

"here are the instructions for 53 Ford motor mounts, see if they look like your Merc. When I jacked up the motor in my '50 Ford, I put a 2x4 under the oil pan and used a screw jack to hold the motor up while I took the bolt off the motor mounts so I could replace the water pumps.

https://static.speedwaymotors.com/pdf/910-18025.pdf

I think you can slide the old mounts out once unbolted."



Thank you for that link. Very much appreciated.
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Old 04-27-2020, 05:44 PM   #55
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

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You might make a call, or send a note, to the Shoebox radiator guy to inquire, if he might be able to make one up with the flanges on the fan side?
Sounds like a good idea. I dropped my radiator off today at the repair shop. He didn't laugh or throw me out, so that was good. I'm hoping for good news, but after looking through the receipts I got with the car from the previous owner, I see he had it repaired in the past.
I will call Shoebox tomorrow to see what they say. Anything is better than spending $750 for a new one.
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Old 04-27-2020, 05:46 PM   #56
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

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You might make a call, or send a note, to the Shoebox radiator guy to inquire, if he might be able to make one up with the flanges on the fan side?
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I would try calling...........ShoeBox Ford.........they might be able to help with interchangeability.
Paul in CT
Thank you Paul. I will give Shoebox a call tomorrow.
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Old 04-28-2020, 06:24 PM   #57
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

So the latest...........
My original radiator is at a local radiator shop. Not sure if it can be fixed yet or not?

Thanks to those that recommend that I call Shoebox. They DO carry one for my 53 Merc. It runs $699 and is an exact fit. They are booked out 6 weeks for one right now. They currently have another customer having the exact one built right now.

Thanks to member "KiWinUS" . He found one on Ebay advertised as "1949-1953 FORD CAR FLATHEAD 4 ROW HD RE-CORED COPPER RADIATOR" for $400.00.
The owner said it would fit the Merc too, but after talking with Shoebox I was told it would not.
So at this point, if my original can't be fixed I will order a new one through Shoebox and be done with it.

Some of you recommended that I have my motor mounts checked because the way my radiator had been contacted at some point by the fan blades. Thank you. I talked to my mechanic today and he will check them out once he begins work on the radiator. I may just buy new ones and have them replaced anyways. I see Kanter and Mac's carry them.
Is it recommended to replace all four at the same time or just the front two? I'm not sure how much labor is involved?
One of the parts dealers Tech dept recommended I have the fan bushings/bearings checked too.

I'm not sure why or when the fan made contact with the radiator at some point?
Again, I am no mechanic. Just a lover of classic cars, and here to learn.

I'm starting to realize now why there is a song called "Mercury Blues".
Thanks All.
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Old 04-28-2020, 10:05 PM   #58
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

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So the latest...........
Is it recommended to replace all four at the same time or just the front two? I
One of the parts dealers Tech dept recommended I have the fan bushings/bearings checked too. [/COLOR][/COLOR][/U]
I'm not sure why or when the fan made contact with the radiator at some point?

I'm starting to realize now why there is a song called "Mercury Blues".
Thanks All.
The song you need to keep in your mind is "Crazy bout a Mercury". It works for me. There are only the two front motor mounts as far as I recall. Its over 50 years ago to test my memory of when my dad had the front mounts replaced on this 52. As I recall they were so loose that the motor literally rocked from side to side on acceleration and somehow that allowed the fan to contact the fins. . I don't think it is a major job to replace them.
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Old 04-28-2020, 11:17 PM   #59
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Default Re: The Radiator Blues - Let's Pray

There is a third mount at the rear of the transmission. Replacements are available.
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Old 04-29-2020, 10:27 AM   #60
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The song you need to keep in your mind is "Crazy bout a Mercury". It works for me. There are only the two front motor mounts as far as I recall. Its over 50 years ago to test my memory of when my dad had the front mounts replaced on this 52. As I recall they were so loose that the motor literally rocked from side to side on acceleration and somehow that allowed the fan to contact the fins. . I don't think it is a major job to replace them.
Thank you Ralph. That may be whats happening on my car too. I will get the mounts ordered.
My gas tank is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I will post the results once the shop gets to it.
Have a great week.
-Doug-
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