The Ford Barn

jack orchard · 04-01-2013, 06:52 PM

My 51 F1 radiator is beyond repair. Can i get some suggestions for a replacement? Copper/Brass? Aluminum? Recore? Number of rows? Brand Names? I appreciate any and all opinions?...Thanks,jack

Torchie · 04-01-2013, 09:20 PM

Some people stay away from aluminum. Claim that they don't cool as well.
Also look out for radiators that are epoxied together and not soldered/welded.
3 rows vs 4 rows. Sometimes a thicker one won't fit.
In my experience with a radiator you get what you pay for..... Stay away from the cheap ones.
Torchie.

jack orchard · 04-04-2013, 06:56 PM

Does anyone have experience with an aluminum radiator? If it was a good experience, what brand was it?

deuce_roadster · 04-04-2013, 07:17 PM

Yes, I have had a Griffin aluminum radiator and shroud in my 32 roadster since it hit the road about 9 years ago and am very happy with it. At the time I called and said I wanted a 32 radiator that had the maxumum capacity for cooling and they put a core in there that they said could cool a blown big block chevy. It is HIGHLY efficient and as I have posted before, when I first fired up the new engine with no stats it wouldn't get above 110 degrees. My flathead isn't radical, common stuff, merc crank, Ross pistons, mild cam, 2 97s, excellent crab distrib. Runs all day and in 100 degree weather never gets above 180 on my temp guage. Never had ANY trouble with this radiator. It was expensive, around $700 with shroud but I have never had any overheating problems either. I believe this was "furnace brazed" (or something like that ) together.

Fourdy · 04-04-2013, 08:49 PM

Just put a Griffin in my 40. First time in 8 yrs that I can idle in the garage without overheating. Fan comes on at approx 185, goes to 195 or so, then cools down to 180 and stays. Bring on the parades now. Oh, I also have a shroud.

My .02 worth,

Fourdy

40ford · 04-05-2013, 09:38 PM

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Jack,have you checked at National Parts Depot?Part # F-8005-2,$386.75.I got one on my 52 that bolted right up and works like it should. Russ

woodiewagon46 · 04-06-2013, 09:08 AM

Jack, pick up the June issue of "Street Rodder" magazine, it has a great article that covers all the basics on cooling. Don't get hung up on the aluminum vs copper nonsense because everybody will tell you that they have the best product. Remember also that it also comes down to fan size, thermostat degree and most of all a radiator fan shroud. Do your homework and you will have a cool running car!!

TStiles · 04-06-2013, 09:56 AM

40ford:
Can you describe the NPD unit? Their description is a bit limited "21 5/8 INCH X 21 INCH CORE SIZE".
Thanks,

40ford · 04-06-2013, 08:27 PM

Tim,I bought mine from NPD about five years ago and it mounted up perfect.I had to get a different cap though.My old cap would not work.I will check and see if I still have the receipt.LMC also has a listing on one for about the same price.I was well pleased with the one I got from NPD. Russ

04-01-2013, 06:52 PM	#1
jack orchard Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: summerfield florida Posts: 383	Help With Radiator Selection My 51 F1 radiator is beyond repair. Can i get some suggestions for a replacement? Copper/Brass? Aluminum? Recore? Number of rows? Brand Names? I appreciate any and all opinions?...Thanks,jack __________________ Proud FNG We fixem cars. Heap Good!

04-01-2013, 09:20 PM	#2
Torchie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Northern Mi. Posts: 355	Re: Help With Radiator Selection Some people stay away from aluminum. Claim that they don't cool as well. Also look out for radiators that are epoxied together and not soldered/welded. 3 rows vs 4 rows. Sometimes a thicker one won't fit. In my experience with a radiator you get what you pay for..... Stay away from the cheap ones. Torchie.

04-04-2013, 06:56 PM	#3
jack orchard Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: summerfield florida Posts: 383	Re: Help With Radiator Selection Does anyone have experience with an aluminum radiator? If it was a good experience, what brand was it? __________________ Proud FNG We fixem cars. Heap Good!

04-04-2013, 07:17 PM	#4
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 3,799	Re: Help With Radiator Selection Yes, I have had a Griffin aluminum radiator and shroud in my 32 roadster since it hit the road about 9 years ago and am very happy with it. At the time I called and said I wanted a 32 radiator that had the maxumum capacity for cooling and they put a core in there that they said could cool a blown big block chevy. It is HIGHLY efficient and as I have posted before, when I first fired up the new engine with no stats it wouldn't get above 110 degrees. My flathead isn't radical, common stuff, merc crank, Ross pistons, mild cam, 2 97s, excellent crab distrib. Runs all day and in 100 degree weather never gets above 180 on my temp guage. Never had ANY trouble with this radiator. It was expensive, around $700 with shroud but I have never had any overheating problems either. I believe this was "furnace brazed" (or something like that ) together.

04-04-2013, 08:49 PM	#5
Fourdy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Port Townsend, WA Posts: 601	Re: Help With Radiator Selection Just put a Griffin in my 40. First time in 8 yrs that I can idle in the garage without overheating. Fan comes on at approx 185, goes to 195 or so, then cools down to 180 and stays. Bring on the parades now. Oh, I also have a shroud. My .02 worth, Fourdy

04-05-2013, 09:38 PM	#6
40ford Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cherryville,N.C. Posts: 535	Re: Help With Radiator Selection Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Jack,have you checked at National Parts Depot?Part # F-8005-2,$386.75.I got one on my 52 that bolted right up and works like it should. Russ

04-06-2013, 09:08 AM	#7
woodiewagon46 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island,NY Posts: 1,555	Re: Help With Radiator Selection Jack, pick up the June issue of "Street Rodder" magazine, it has a great article that covers all the basics on cooling. Don't get hung up on the aluminum vs copper nonsense because everybody will tell you that they have the best product. Remember also that it also comes down to fan size, thermostat degree and most of all a radiator fan shroud. Do your homework and you will have a cool running car!!

04-06-2013, 09:56 AM	#8
TStiles Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Kitsap Peninsula, Western WA Posts: 276	Re: Help With Radiator Selection 40ford: Can you describe the NPD unit? Their description is a bit limited "21 5/8 INCH X 21 INCH CORE SIZE". Thanks,

04-06-2013, 08:27 PM	#9
40ford Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cherryville,N.C. Posts: 535	Re: Help With Radiator Selection Tim,I bought mine from NPD about five years ago and it mounted up perfect.I had to get a different cap though.My old cap would not work.I will check and see if I still have the receipt.LMC also has a listing on one for about the same price.I was well pleased with the one I got from NPD. Russ