The Ford Barn

jack orchard · 10-06-2015, 06:06 PM

I have a 1951 F1 with a 276 Flathead. I need a radiator. I see them from $179 to $850. 2 rows, 3 rows, 4 rows. I am in Florida, so heat is a factor. How much cooling do i need? How many rows? Aluminum or copper/brass? Who should i buy it from? Anyone have any experience with difference between brands and types of construction?
As always, many thanks to all.,...jack

ford38v8 · 10-06-2015, 06:14 PM

Have your original recored. Flat motors need all the cooling they can get, so get as many rows as it will hold. Always brass for any car you plan on keeping for a while, as aluminum tends to go south fairly rapidly. Also, nothing better than brass for cooling except copper and silver.

Ross F-1 · 10-06-2015, 06:55 PM

I have a Walker that I had recored to 4-rows. I am running stock WP's and a Car-type 3-blade fan. The most I have ever seen the Temp gauge move, even in slow traffic in 100-deg weather, is about a needle width. Copper/brass is expensive now, but it's the best. Watch out on cheap aluminum rad's for tanks that are glued in place, no repairs possible.

FortyNiner · 10-06-2015, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jack orchard

I have a 1951 F1 with a 276 Flathead.

Did you mean the 226?

Ross F-1 · 10-06-2015, 10:36 PM

I believe he has a bored/stroked V8

expavr · 10-06-2015, 10:46 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Explore the possibility of adding a fan shroud if your existing radiator doesn't have one. It will make a difference in stop and go traffic.

jack orchard · 10-07-2015, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by expavr

Explore the possibility of adding a fan shroud if your existing radiator doesn't have one. It will make a difference in stop and go traffic.

Existing shroud is to be installed on new radiator.

10-06-2015, 06:06 PM	#1
jack orchard Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: summerfield florida Posts: 383	Radiator: How Much Do I Need? I have a 1951 F1 with a 276 Flathead. I need a radiator. I see them from $179 to $850. 2 rows, 3 rows, 4 rows. I am in Florida, so heat is a factor. How much cooling do i need? How many rows? Aluminum or copper/brass? Who should i buy it from? Anyone have any experience with difference between brands and types of construction? As always, many thanks to all.,...jack __________________ Proud FNG We fixem cars. Heap Good!

10-06-2015, 06:14 PM	#2
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,645	Re: Radiator: How Much Do I Need? Have your original recored. Flat motors need all the cooling they can get, so get as many rows as it will hold. Always brass for any car you plan on keeping for a while, as aluminum tends to go south fairly rapidly. Also, nothing better than brass for cooling except copper and silver. __________________ Alan

10-06-2015, 06:55 PM	#3
Ross F-1 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NM Posts: 2,438	Re: Radiator: How Much Do I Need? I have a Walker that I had recored to 4-rows. I am running stock WP's and a Car-type 3-blade fan. The most I have ever seen the Temp gauge move, even in slow traffic in 100-deg weather, is about a needle width. Copper/brass is expensive now, but it's the best. Watch out on cheap aluminum rad's for tanks that are glued in place, no repairs possible. __________________ '52 F-1, EAB flathead

10-06-2015, 10:36 PM	#5
Ross F-1 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NM Posts: 2,438	Re: Radiator: How Much Do I Need? I believe he has a bored/stroked V8 __________________ '52 F-1, EAB flathead

10-06-2015, 10:46 PM	#6
expavr Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hansville, WA Posts: 776	Re: Radiator: How Much Do I Need? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Explore the possibility of adding a fan shroud if your existing radiator doesn't have one. It will make a difference in stop and go traffic.