53 Merc radiator options for SBF

Amazing huh? Ford going into a Ford? Well I tried searching but came up empty on finding a good candidate for a radiator into my 53 with a 302. Any thoughts as to what works with little to no modification to the existing radiator support?

I should be clear here and let you know that I'm doing my best to keep this under budget....WAY under budget. Pick and Pull is my friend.

Best, Nolan

 

My 57 has run a stock rad for yrs with some big engines. Just have it re cored with
new modern type core. And the top tank is no problem with mine at 13lb cap.
A good rad shop can take of that also.

 

hey shoprat, i in orange co. doing the same thing nolan is doing. where is a good radiator shop?

 

Thanks Shoprat. Not really what I'm looking spend, but good advice nonetheless. I appreciate it. I'll just grab the tape measure and head top the local yard.

 

68 mustang from oreillys

 

I may be of ***istance, give me the dimensions possible a sketch, something thats like a fineline drawing but not to fine of lines, feel free to use colored pencil or an echasketch, just jokin bud, lets hit pick and pull with that skecth and find somethin.

 

an early mustang is a bolt in. no measurements needed. it will utilize the mustang hoses as well.no reason to make this any harder by going to a drafting etch-a-sketch..$159

 

I have to agree....Mustang!

 

I believe the original style core will cool better than a replacement style radiator.... more copper to help cool and a better design. But a Mustang will work... just remember that a cheap radiator is just that....cheap.

 

You can go to www.autozone.com or www.advanceautoparts a**** others and put in the Mustang (under manage my vehicles) info to check the exact sizes of radiators or any other parts. Even has pictures of parts and dimensions if your looking for a certain master cylinder, etc.

 

If you go with a Mustang radiator, just be sure it is the bolt in style and not a clamp mount radiator! Ford was pretty cute about going back and forth between the two for no apparent reason and they did this for several years. I think the first gen cars (like mine '64, '65,'66) were all bolt in style and second gen and up were either bolt or clamp mounts.

 

I used a 68 Mustang radiator (new) in My 54 Merc which should have pretty much the same core support and as I remember, had to drill 2 holes in the support, 2 holes already lined up, it's a simple bolt in. I don't remember if there was a difference in the V8 or 6 Cyl radiators but get the V8.