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Technical 32 ford grill/ radiator ?

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by ModelARon, Jan 6, 2023.

  1. ModelARon
    Joined: Jun 14, 2017
    Posts: 363

    ModelARon
    Member

    The original radiator that came with my car has seen better days. I think its a modified 1932 radiator. I had the radiator shop test and fix it a few years ago but after one year of driving it has a slight leak and the brackets on both sides have cracked . So i am thinking of getting a new US radiator made. I have a stock height 32 truck grill.
    Is the 32 car grill the same dimensions as the 32 truck grill? I asked the radiator company and they had to check and get back to me about that. Will a 32 car grill and truck grill bolt up to the same size radiator? Trying to confirm the radiator is the same for both.
    IMG_3657.jpeg IMG_0542 2.jpeg IMG_6610.jpeg Thanks for the help.
     
    2Blue2, chevyfordman, 34 GAZ and 2 others like this.
  2. nochop
    Joined: Nov 13, 2005
    Posts: 4,622

    nochop
    Member
    from norcal

    Get it re-cored?
     
  3. krylon32
    Joined: Jan 29, 2006
    Posts: 10,909

    krylon32
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Nebraska

    The 32 pickup truck ans p***enger us the same radiator shape. They both bolt on the same. I would contact Johnson Radiator Works if I were looking for a new radiator. Yours looks like a 4 cylinder radiator.
     
  4. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 22,780

    alchemy
    Member

    Yeah, what Gary said.
     
  5. BJR
    Joined: Mar 11, 2005
    Posts: 11,380

    BJR
    Member

    On your picture the fill neck is not in the stock position, to have a visible cap outside in the center of the shell.
     
  6. ModelARon
    Joined: Jun 14, 2017
    Posts: 363

    ModelARon
    Member

    Thanks. I will call Johnson Radiator.
     
  7. V8 Bob
    Joined: Feb 6, 2007
    Posts: 3,171

    V8 Bob
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I would also check with Custom Auto Radiator in your area. They built one for my '32 and '40, copper/br*** construction, and very high quality.
     
  8. Mo rust
    Joined: Mar 11, 2012
    Posts: 894

    Mo rust
    Member

    If possible I would look for a radiator that's an inch or two shorter because the 32 cowl sits a little taller than the 31 and if it your grill looks too tall, you'll be able to trim the sides a bit and lower the shell. I'm dealing with the same issue right now.
     
  9. krylon32
    Joined: Jan 29, 2006
    Posts: 10,909

    krylon32
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Nebraska

    On the 30/31 Model A's with deuce shells I've always used a 2 inch shortened deuce radiator to get the hood to flow down hill.
     
    akoutlaw, lurker mick and Mo rust like this.
  10. 31Apickup
    Joined: Nov 8, 2005
    Posts: 3,646

    31Apickup
    Member

    I would verify the height of your radiator before getting another, your grill shell may have been trimmed on the sides where it sits over the frame.
     
  11. Mo rust
    Joined: Mar 11, 2012
    Posts: 894

    Mo rust
    Member

    On my current 31 build, I bought a radiator that is 28 1/2" tall and I'm wishing that I made it at least one inch shorter. I'm thinking about cutting my front crossmember to allow the radiator to sink down another 1/2 inch.
     
  12. ModelARon
    Joined: Jun 14, 2017
    Posts: 363

    ModelARon
    Member

    The overall height of the grill is 32" . I don't think it's been cut down but this is the only grill i have seen up close.
     
  13. ModelARon
    Joined: Jun 14, 2017
    Posts: 363

    ModelARon
    Member

    I feel the grill height seems to work with this unchopped car. But it could be that i have been looking at this car for a few years so it seems normal. Not sure if a shorter grill will make a big difference.
    I might mock something up to see how it looks. Do you have a photo of an unchopped car with a shorter grill?
    Thanks for all the help. IMG_4588.jpeg IMG_6004.jpeg
     
  14. Fordors
    Joined: Sep 22, 2016
    Posts: 6,547

    Fordors
    Member

    I like the overall look of the car but honestly I think the radiator and shell could be an inch higher, maybe even a touch more. I’d like to see the side view taken a bit lower to get a better perspective.
     
  15. Tow Truck Tom
    Joined: Jul 3, 2018
    Posts: 3,468

    Tow Truck Tom
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Clayton DE

    Super Blue paint
     
  16. I concur.
     
  17. ModelARon
    Joined: Jun 14, 2017
    Posts: 363

    ModelARon
    Member

    I will try to find a local shop that can do a nice job. Any one know of a radiator shop in the north jersey area that can make a new radiator?
     
  18. ModelARon
    Joined: Jun 14, 2017
    Posts: 363

    ModelARon
    Member

    Here is a better picture IMG_8584.jpeg IMG_8585.jpeg
     

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