how did you guy's mount you radiators. I'm running a big block in my 50 chevy and need to redo my radiator support, front clip mounting, and radmounts.
I had a 54 Chevy with a Monte subframe. Needless to say, I had the usual dilemna about how to mount a radiator, clearance issues with the steering box, sheet metal and bumper mounting. I decided to use the same radiator that the Monte had, mekes things easier to remember when replacing parts! I mounted the front fenders, with the correct distance between them for hood clearance. I made flanges to bolt where the factory rad support did, and connected them with a piece of round tubing (3/4 or 1"). Then made the "loop" down to a point I could secure it to the frame, with a piece of rubber between. The radiator fit in between the down tubes. had to make some mounting tabs to mount all the stuff to the round tube, but it was still easier than trying to bend square tubing and make it look good. I did have to mount the radiator at a slight angle, to clear the steering box and PS fittings, though. The height is not an issue with a crossflow modern radiator, but the width is a bit tricky to juggle into the front of the car. Making your own rad support helps these issues, as opposed to modifying a stock support.
I am using a s10 fram so I am in the exact same boat with steering box and hoses. I wish I still had the rad support from the s10. do you have any pics?
I'll see if I have any pics that show those details. Might be later on, though, working in the shop tonight, and Carlisle this weekend!
I'm in the same boat as you, I need to fab up a radiator/front fender support from scratch for my application, since neither the '51 Merc one will work, nor will the Town Car one. I've decided on using 3/4" square tubing, welded together, mounted with traditional mounts, onto the reworked frame. Sorry I don't have pics, it's all in my head right now. For a radiator, a n 80's GM fullsize truck seems to be the ticket. It will fit in the "relocated" area that the stock Lincoln one won't (too wide). For the radiator, I'm thinking '85 Chevy C-10 with a 350. Not sure of the hose locations yet, I may have to revise my plans...When I had that truck, the dimensions seemed right to fit down in between the frame. I'm interrested in this thread if anyone has pictures of their setups... Mercman
Do you have to remove the stock radiator mount? If you dont, a 55-57 radiator will fit with a couple of brackets.
here's some pics of what I'm dealing with. I have just enough room for the aluminum rad and clutch fan I got, but I need to move things forward a bit.
OK here you go 55-57 chevy rad mounted in a 1950 chevy. I made brackets out of aluminum 1in.x1in. on the left and 1in.x3in. on the right drilled to mach the radiator and the mount. The long side on the right was used to mount the over flow tank. 10 5/16 bolts and nuts and there you are. A nice clean radiator install. All I need now is an electric fan and a fan switch.
ok now i have a couple ? if i may. what size engine is that obviously its a sbc and i would assume its a tri 5 rad right and at what temp does it usually run at idle in traffic thanks i have a 54 and i am building a new support cant afford a 500.00 rad ya know
You're going to need to cut off the top of the radiator support to almost put the radiator through the support, or in front of it at least. That mopar will never run cool if you just use an electric fan, take my word on it. You'll need an aluminum radiator, a mechanical fan, and a good shroud. Don't be afraid to cut the radiator support. Fit first, finish later
The engine is a 350ci. The radiator is a 4core w/trans cooler for a 57chevy. Price 225.00 at my local rad shop. I dont have this one finished yet, but the 51 we built three years ago still runs cool and has given us no trouble.
I'll be cuttin the old rad mount for sure. I have a mopar HP clutch fan which is huge. I also have a alumiunum rad for it. It looks like I just gotta jump in with both feet.
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