I'm building a 1930 model A sedan with a 39 flathead and things are going well but I'm starting to look into radiators. I have a beauty stock model A radiator, I'd like to use it but wondering if anyone has some insight on a good way to use the stock 2 water inlet/outlets on the rad with the 4 inlet/outlets on the motor. I'd prefer not to solder on new ones, and I've seen a couple 42-46 flathead radiators with only 2 inlets/outlets...my other thought is to buy a later v8 radiator but I haven't found any and I'm wondering what later years will fit in my 28 Marmon grille shell (couple inches wider and taller than stock model A) ...main thing is I don't want to buy a $350 radiator...
Find a well established radiator shop that has been in business of repairing radiators for many years,,they usually can modify your radiator and can move the outlets and modify your radiator for a Flathead V8. HRP
I was told that an aluminum is the way to go. A oem needs alot of dollars to usually repair and move outlets. Plus you still have an old radiator not designed for a flathead.
I have CRS,but I think a flathead will need more water to cool. Ask your radiator shop what they think. CRS=cain't rember stuff.
In stock as I understand it, the A shell fits the Model A radiator and the B/model 18 radiator only fits the '32 shell. The radiator cap is in a different place on top and the stock '32 radiator has a point on the front of the top tank that won't fit behind the A shell. Good Luck: Fred A
The Model A radiator has a 2" core where flatheads always had a 3" core. You could have your radiator recored with a 3" core and have the inlet/outlets reworked. I had a nice stock A radiator also for my AV8 and a nice, stock 32 V8 radiator. Long story short I decided to purchase a new, 2" short, WALKER, 32 Ford radiator and it fit like a glove, this is the only really big aftermarket piece I purchased for my build but with all the costs involved with reworking the stock rad I feel it was money and time ahead.
I've been running a Walker Z-line in my AV8. Cost about $400 in 1994, but it was the best money I spent. Had to use thermostats in the Summer because it wouldn't get to 140 degrees on a normal day.
This topic as been on my mind as well. I am building an AV8 1930 coupe with a 49 8BA flathead. I would like to keep all of the parts to be prior to 1950 so what would be my best choice? Or, put another way, what would they have done in 49? Thanks. RGG
I was just setting up my motor and radiator the other day and its looking like I can fit the whole thing in there with stock 48 food fan just by moving the radiator forward no more than an inch. But since Wideglide74 said the flathead radiators are 3" cores I might have a problem as im moking up with a 30 radiator. Damm, guess I need to shell out some cash to get the radiator Im really going to use before I start welding my mounts up. And I would not use an A radiator to cool a flathead V8.
I wouldnt use the stock A radiator either. It works fine cooling a 40 horse, 200 ci 4 cylinder. A V8????? I wouldnt push my luck with it. My opinion, youd be wasting your money reworking it. I shelled out the cash for a Walker for my A-V8 project. Everything Ive heard, its the way to go.