The Ford Barn

bobsmanstuff · 08-17-2021, 12:58 PM

I hope this isn't a dumb question but, I'm going to install a aluminum radiator in my 53. My question before I go to far is, does the core support have to come out with it? Thanks for any advice.

19Fordy · 08-17-2021, 01:28 PM

No. You shouldn't have to remove the core support if the radiator is correctly manufactured to specifications for your car. Be sure to do lots of research on the aluminum radiator you are buying to make sure it is of excellent quality. For example, check out the specifications of this aluminum radiator and see if it will fit. I don't know anything about Champion and am not endorsing them
https://www.championradiators.com/3-...r-FH-1949-1952
and here
https://www.ebay.com/itm/26525055116...IAAOSw9fVhAm4e

bobsmanstuff · 08-17-2021, 01:47 PM

It is a Champion and I did measure. The measurements are exact. It just books like the stock radiator is sandwitched behind the support.

19Fordy · 08-18-2021, 08:28 AM

Loosen all the bolts that secure the radiator and see if the radiator is removable.
Can you post a few photos showing how radiator is installed?
Are the bolts directly accessible or is there a sheet metal covering?

drolston · 08-18-2021, 10:50 AM

I have used Champion radiators. They were well built and fit perfectly, but with less core than the stock radiator in my '41 coupe, would not keep the beast (284", high compression) cool on hot days at a stoplight, or over 60 on the Interstate.

If your engine is stock, it will probably work fine.

supereal · 08-18-2021, 02:53 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Be sure and add a can or bottle of anti rust with your new radiator. That aluminum radiator is a good unit, and most of the newer cards to have them. They can and do have some electrolysis between dissimilar metals, and the antirust helps to control it. We have seen a lot of systems where a voltage shows up when the meter probe is inserted in the coolant with the other probe to ground. This can encourage rust or other corrosion.

tubman · 08-18-2021, 05:21 PM

Another circumstance where a magnesium sacrificial anode might be beneficial.

Gene1949 · 08-19-2021, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supereal

Be sure and add a can or bottle of anti rust with your new radiator. That aluminum radiator is a good unit, and most of the newer cards to have them. They can and do have some electrolysis between dissimilar metals, and the antirust helps to control it. We have seen a lot of systems where a voltage shows up when the meter probe is inserted in the coolant with the other probe to ground. This can encourage rust or other corrosion.

That is how I check when my antifreeze is "worn out". I change when it reads 250-300 mv

highbeams · 09-01-2021, 03:45 PM

Brass radiator core.

Aluminum? Don't waste your money going w/cheap heat dispersion.

Thank you.

JSeery · 09-01-2021, 06:37 PM

I'm a brass guy as well, but there appears to be good reports on the aluminum ones.

highbeams · 09-01-2021, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSeery

I'm a brass guy as well, but there appears to be good reports on the aluminum ones.

Oh! The 'aloonium' ones are improving. I had read an article some years back; good to hear the latest. Thank you -

tubman · 09-01-2021, 08:08 PM

I have noticed that just about all the criticism of aluminum radiators comes from people who haven't used them. The guys that have seem to be quite satisfied, for the most part.

don35 · 09-02-2021, 04:17 PM

Having replaced my engine in 53 Merc this spring, I can tell you the radiator is a real pain to put in and out. Its a tight fit to say the least. You don't have much room for error, so I would compare the two really closely before I tried to install the new one. And no, you don't have to pull the support.

08-17-2021, 12:58 PM	#1
bobsmanstuff Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Mora Minn Posts: 167	radiator I hope this isn't a dumb question but, I'm going to install a aluminum radiator in my 53. My question before I go to far is, does the core support have to come out with it? Thanks for any advice.

08-17-2021, 01:28 PM	#2
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,950	Re: radiator No. You shouldn't have to remove the core support if the radiator is correctly manufactured to specifications for your car. Be sure to do lots of research on the aluminum radiator you are buying to make sure it is of excellent quality. For example, check out the specifications of this aluminum radiator and see if it will fit. I don't know anything about Champion and am not endorsing them https://www.championradiators.com/3-...r-FH-1949-1952 and here https://www.ebay.com/itm/26525055116...IAAOSw9fVhAm4e Last edited by 19Fordy; 08-17-2021 at 01:35 PM.

08-17-2021, 01:47 PM	#3
bobsmanstuff Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Mora Minn Posts: 167	Re: radiator It is a Champion and I did measure. The measurements are exact. It just books like the stock radiator is sandwitched behind the support.

08-18-2021, 08:28 AM	#4
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,950	Re: radiator Loosen all the bolts that secure the radiator and see if the radiator is removable. Can you post a few photos showing how radiator is installed? Are the bolts directly accessible or is there a sheet metal covering? Last edited by 19Fordy; 08-18-2021 at 08:37 AM.

08-18-2021, 10:50 AM	#5
drolston Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 1,627	Re: radiator I have used Champion radiators. They were well built and fit perfectly, but with less core than the stock radiator in my '41 coupe, would not keep the beast (284", high compression) cool on hot days at a stoplight, or over 60 on the Interstate. If your engine is stock, it will probably work fine.

08-18-2021, 02:53 PM	#6
supereal Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,634	Re: radiator Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Be sure and add a can or bottle of anti rust with your new radiator. That aluminum radiator is a good unit, and most of the newer cards to have them. They can and do have some electrolysis between dissimilar metals, and the antirust helps to control it. We have seen a lot of systems where a voltage shows up when the meter probe is inserted in the coolant with the other probe to ground. This can encourage rust or other corrosion.

08-18-2021, 05:21 PM	#7
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,320	Re: radiator Another circumstance where a magnesium sacrificial anode might be beneficial.

09-01-2021, 03:45 PM	#9
highbeams Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: California Posts: 802	Re: radiator Brass radiator core. Aluminum? Don't waste your money going w/cheap heat dispersion. Thank you.

09-01-2021, 06:37 PM	#10
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: radiator I'm a brass guy as well, but there appears to be good reports on the aluminum ones.

09-01-2021, 08:08 PM	#12
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,320	Re: radiator I have noticed that just about all the criticism of aluminum radiators comes from people who haven't used them. The guys that have seem to be quite satisfied, for the most part.

09-02-2021, 04:17 PM	#13
don35 Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 53	Re: radiator Having replaced my engine in 53 Merc this spring, I can tell you the radiator is a real pain to put in and out. Its a tight fit to say the least. You don't have much room for error, so I would compare the two really closely before I tried to install the new one. And no, you don't have to pull the support.