The Ford Barn

decling · 12-07-2022, 05:55 PM

I need some clarification on the radiator I have. It has a 81T over an L on the drivers side and 81 over a Y on the passenger side.

I have a 1938 1/2 ton truck.

When I reference the Chassis

Parts and Price list it has a 81C for 81C, 91C and 99C for 38-39.

It lists the 81T for (101" -134" -157" -191" -1938-1938) (COE1940-41).

The truck was basically a basket case when I got it with no radiator. I am just getting ready to start assembling up the front end sheet metal etc. I am waiting on the radiator support rods to ship.

So is this radiator going to work or is there a difference from the 81C to 81T radiator that will cause fitment issues? I hope not as this is a NOS radiator and it is a beautiful piece of work. I had it checked by a radiator shop and they even said it was really nice.

Kube · 12-07-2022, 06:47 PM

Methinks there will be issues. Can you make it work? Probably. At what effort?

decling · 12-07-2022, 07:06 PM

I guess that is the question. I have no idea since the truck did not have the correct radiator or brackets to start with. Unfortunately I don't have anything to go on as far as measurements. Since the grill and grill aprons go off the radiator getting a aluminum one would be almost as much if not more effort. Going with Brassworks at $1500 is not an option at this point. Getting a used one of unknown condition and having recored is very pricey.

If anyone has an 81C they could take some measurements on to compare it would be appreciated.

decling · 12-07-2022, 08:00 PM

From what I have been able to find so far.
The hood is same 1/2 ton and 1 ton.
Side panels below hood are same 1/2 ton and 1 ton.
Grill is the same for respective year 1/2 ton and 1 ton.
The fenders and grill aprons are different on the 1 ton as the bumper brackets do not go through the fender and grill apron.
In the rough mock up I did with a spare block in the frame and the radiator setting in location, it looks like the fan bracket would not work. I was going to make a fan set up like V8Coopman did in one of his threads so I can compensate for that. Height I am not sure if it is the same for both radiators.

Maybe the way the engine mounts on the 1 ton frame in respect to the radiator and potentially a thicker core for a larger load on engine when loaded.

just some thoughts on what could be different.

38bill · 12-07-2022, 08:06 PM

If anyone has an 81C they could take some measurements on to compare it would be appreciated.[/QUOTE]

I have a junk 81C that I can measure for you. Send me a PM with your email. Its easier for me to send photos via email.

What engine do you have?

decling · 12-07-2022, 08:12 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 38bill

If anyone has an 81C they could take some measurements on to compare it would be appreciated.

I have a junk 81C that I can measure for you. Send me a PM with your email. Its easier for me to send photos via email.

What engine do you have?[/QUOTE]

I have an 8BA.

Sent a PM.

Thanks
Dennis

38 coupe · 12-07-2022, 08:45 PM

I think the 81T radiator works in the half ton, give it a try before spending more money.

Model51 · 12-07-2022, 09:44 PM

I think the tag, brass and soldered, on the left is the manufacture's tag. Ford made their own radiators and also got them from other suppliers. The "L" is code for Long Company. I'm not sure about the designation of 81 over Y on the right. It looks embossed, so that should be the model designation. My expertise and experience is with '35-'36 big trucks, so I could be a bit off on these codes.
The best way to figure this out is with copies of the drawings from the Ford Archives in Dearborn, but they are closed and not very convenient to most of us. Hopefully you will get info from a radiator to help you figure out what will work. I had to do some research to be able to convert a pickup (Model 50) radiator to one for my Model 51 truck.

V8COOPMAN · 12-07-2022, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by decling

In the rough mock up I did with a spare block in the frame and the radiator setting in location, it looks like the fan bracket would not work. I was going to make a fan set up like V8Coopman did in one of his threads so I can compensate for that.

If there's any way I can help, let me know. I have lots of pictures and some part numbers. Click the link BELOW for the original thread.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=278828

Coop

.

decling · 12-09-2022, 03:35 PM

Thank you "38bill" for sending the measurements of a 81C 1938 1/2 ton radiator.

The basic shape and size between the 81C and 81T radiator are the same. The difference is on the 81C radiator as measured under the front of the tank to the core is 1 3/4". On the 81T that measurement is 1". The core thickness on the 81C is 2 1/2" and on the 81T it is 3 1/4". The measurement under the tank from the rear is 2 1/4 on both radiators. So the 81T should work fine on my 1/2 ton truck.

Again, thanks 38bill for your help.

Brian · 12-10-2022, 03:49 PM

Running the 81T radiator with the thicker core means you shouldn't suffer the dreaded 'flathead running hot' syndrome!

decling · 12-10-2022, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian

Running the 81T radiator with the thicker core means you shouldn't suffer the dreaded 'flathead running hot' syndrome!

Especially since I live in Arizona.

The Brassworks · 01-11-2023, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by decling

I need some clarification on the radiator I have. It has a 81T over an L on the drivers side and 81 over a Y on the passenger side.

I have a 1938 1/2 ton truck.

When I reference the Chassis

Parts and Price list it has a 81C for 81C, 91C and 99C for 38-39.

It lists the 81T for (101" -134" -157" -191" -1938-1938) (COE1940-41).

The truck was basically a basket case when I got it with no radiator. I am just getting ready to start assembling up the front end sheet metal etc. I am waiting on the radiator support rods to ship.

So is this radiator going to work or is there a difference from the 81C to 81T radiator that will cause fitment issues? I hope not as this is a NOS radiator and it is a beautiful piece of work. I had it checked by a radiator shop and they even said it was really nice.

Thats a 1.5" ton radiator. Your lower hoses fitment may be a
challenge. You can likely restore that radiator and place the hoses where you want them. That can sometime be less expensive than a fabrication.

12-07-2022, 06:47 PM	#2
Kube Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 9,008	Re: Radiator Question Methinks there will be issues. Can you make it work? Probably. At what effort? __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".

12-07-2022, 07:06 PM	#3
decling Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Arizona Posts: 103	Re: Radiator Question I guess that is the question. I have no idea since the truck did not have the correct radiator or brackets to start with. Unfortunately I don't have anything to go on as far as measurements. Since the grill and grill aprons go off the radiator getting a aluminum one would be almost as much if not more effort. Going with Brassworks at $1500 is not an option at this point. Getting a used one of unknown condition and having recored is very pricey. If anyone has an 81C they could take some measurements on to compare it would be appreciated.

12-07-2022, 08:00 PM	#4
decling Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Arizona Posts: 103	Re: Radiator Question From what I have been able to find so far. The hood is same 1/2 ton and 1 ton. Side panels below hood are same 1/2 ton and 1 ton. Grill is the same for respective year 1/2 ton and 1 ton. The fenders and grill aprons are different on the 1 ton as the bumper brackets do not go through the fender and grill apron. In the rough mock up I did with a spare block in the frame and the radiator setting in location, it looks like the fan bracket would not work. I was going to make a fan set up like V8Coopman did in one of his threads so I can compensate for that. Height I am not sure if it is the same for both radiators. Maybe the way the engine mounts on the 1 ton frame in respect to the radiator and potentially a thicker core for a larger load on engine when loaded. just some thoughts on what could be different.

12-07-2022, 08:06 PM	#5
38bill Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,166	Re: Radiator Question If anyone has an 81C they could take some measurements on to compare it would be appreciated.[/QUOTE] I have a junk 81C that I can measure for you. Send me a PM with your email. Its easier for me to send photos via email. What engine do you have?

12-07-2022, 08:45 PM	#7
38 coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,631	Re: Radiator Question I think the 81T radiator works in the half ton, give it a try before spending more money.

12-07-2022, 09:44 PM	#8
Model51 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fairfax Station, VA Posts: 529	Re: Radiator Question I think the tag, brass and soldered, on the left is the manufacture's tag. Ford made their own radiators and also got them from other suppliers. The "L" is code for Long Company. I'm not sure about the designation of 81 over Y on the right. It looks embossed, so that should be the model designation. My expertise and experience is with '35-'36 big trucks, so I could be a bit off on these codes. The best way to figure this out is with copies of the drawings from the Ford Archives in Dearborn, but they are closed and not very convenient to most of us. Hopefully you will get info from a radiator to help you figure out what will work. I had to do some research to be able to convert a pickup (Model 50) radiator to one for my Model 51 truck.

12-10-2022, 03:49 PM	#11
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,834	Re: Radiator Question Running the 81T radiator with the thicker core means you shouldn't suffer the dreaded 'flathead running hot' syndrome! __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit!