Technical RADIATOR FAN CLEARANCE ISSUE(MODEL A, DEUCE FRAME, FLATHEAD)

I looks like a cast piece. Where on earth did you find that?

 

V-V: Since you appear to not want to change the firewall or do major modifications to the chassis of the car, another alternative to resolve the fan issue would be to put a "pusher"pancake electric fan on front of the radiator behind the grille. The fan, itself, is black so it may not be that noticeable behind the grille. The pancake fans come in different diameters 10", 12", 14" and 16". I measured a stock 1932 radiator and between the metal sides the core appears to be approximately 16.75". You should check the dimensions on the radiator that you are using since it is an aftermarket. For example, a 16" lowboy auxiliary electric pusher fan from Flex-a-lite is only 3-3/16" deep. They also make an electronic fan controller which could be used to turn the fan on and off. If you are interested, you should contact them, Flex-a-Lite, and discuss the issue. They have a website. I also have read that you would like to keep electrics to a minimum but the electric fan may resolve the issue and allow you to more easily mount the generator/alternator.

 

Good luck.
Truth is it is French block.

 

What is the temperature like in Finland on the warmest days? Are you going to be in traffic much?

 

Warmest was 37.5C it's 99.5F. (summer days will normally be about 22C)I think it will keep cool when driving, but for this point when I run it stop coolant temp rises and I like to be sure than sorry...

 

That is interesting. In '53, Ford had a cast three pulley set up for Victorias with power steering. I have not seen a cast four pulley either.

 

I'm running a 59a in my '31 with a '32 frame. My motor is definitely set back further than yours. It's tight against the firewall but it fits. My fan is about a half inch from the radiator. As mentioned above, the 8ba style block is longer because the water pump pulleys stick out further, which means the fan needs to stick out further also. Good luck, let us know what you come up with.

 

Engine is so called "french block" 255cid. It's stock pulley. Generator was two belt drive at original car.

 

Ah, thanks. More goodies that can come off of these Frenchies.

 

His is also only 103.5 wheelbase to keep the stock Model A hood. So he has 2.5 inches less room in the engine bay than you do.

 

IMG_20220916_202258 by v-v posted Sep 16, 2022 at 8:27 PM

IMG_20220916_202303 by v-v posted Sep 16, 2022 at 8:27 PM

IMG_20220916_202329 by v-v posted Sep 16, 2022 at 8:27 PM

You get the idea. Will make pulley so that the fan will move about 1cm closer to engine. And need shape the blades

 

Man, even coming back 1cm, that is cutting it really close. Keep in mind that radiator can move around a bit as the frame flexes, etc. I would think 1cm would not be enough clearance.

 

Fan to radiator will make about 1" clearance when everything is bolted

 

Danger Will Robbins,way to close for comfort. Any flexing and you're looking for a new radiator. Build a shroud for it and your worries are over.

 

IMG_20220920_221211 by v-v posted Sep 20, 2022 at 10:28 PM

IMG_20220920_221205 by v-v posted Sep 20, 2022 at 10:28 PM

IMG_20220920_222612 by v-v posted Sep 20, 2022 at 10:28 PM

last picture shows bad but 1" clearance all the way

 

Is there any way you can get the back of the motor up a bit? The lower portion of the fan is still dangerously close in my opinion.

 

Yeah I think so. I still have to check my drive shaft angle. In will lift that fan little bit up

 

Measure the overall length of the motor including the mechanical fan, add the clearance that you want for the firewall and radiator. Cut and section your frame just in front of the firewall, lengthen the amount that you need. By doing this you don't have to move or cut your firewall and you have plenty of room for the mechanical fan.
I did a '29 full fender coupe this way and set a 392 Chrysler Hemi in place, just where I wanted it, and even used the mechanical fan. To do this it took a 5-1/2" section but worked out fine, been driving the car for little over 30 years now. To look at the car you would never know there was 5-1/2" added to the length. Enjoy your project, RT