This is my 1st "how to" So y'all be nice... I studied every thread that talked about how to mount the '66 Mustang radiator and grill shell in the Model A frame. Every one has done it, every one here is very helpful offering tips, advice etc. The trouble is, no one had pictures of HOW they did it. SO, for those that "have", this is for the "have-nots" First, it is a '66 Mustang radiator. '68 is different, and will not fit the shell I made a 1" x 1" tube frame to hold the radiator. Match the holes on the radiator. Simple, 4 holes, 4 bolts. I over sized the my holes to allow room adjustments if needed. I made bracket to weld on the 1" tube and bolt to the frame with 5/16" bolts. the inside of my frame is 21" and the 1" tube frame was 20". I bent my mounting bracket to fill the space. I chose to bolt over weld so you can compleatly remove the frame if you need to pull an engin later on. I made another bracket out of thin gage sheet and welded it the 1" tube. Matched the holes to the shell. I know this is simple, but every one seems to ask questions. I know I did. Thanks to everyone that helped me. Jay
Good job, I'm going to be doing this soon. I knew I would have no problem figuring it out, but there it is in living color.
Thank you so much for posting this. I may be going this route on my T Bucket and needed an idea of how to do it. VERY nice work.
You will note that the radiator fits inside the edges of the T or A shell BUT the lower part of the upper tank is visible under the upper panel of either AND so are the side straps on either side. The lower end on most suicide front end cars drops behind the front crossmember and is not an issue but if the shell is out front there may be a "problem" there too. Many folks just let it show. Many folks use a screen or punched metal insert like a grille to cover it up. Others skirt the upper panel and the sides with nicely, or not so nicely, done shield panels. Nonetheless the 65-66 Mustang/Falcon V8 radiator, 2-row or 3-row, is a very universal piece. There is a Dodge equivalent, I'm thinking Dart/Twister/Demon/Duster/Sport but not sure. AND, a Ford tractor rad that some like to use. Not being familiar with either the Dodge or Ford Tractor pieces in practice I offer no opinion on them.
That said, and I've said this many times over the last decade, WHY hasn't someone made a radiator specific fibregl*** T, A, B shell which eliminates these visual problems and requires only t******* the radiator straps per a pattern to fit AND look good? The requirements would only be that the shells do not exceed the stock outside dimensions and maintain the general appearance of the subject shells. How hard can it be? No big step for a stepper who has any sense of style or proportion. How big is that market? Pretty good sized, I'd say.
Hi Thanks for all the info...I have 2 questions will the 3 row handle the cooling for the big blocks?.Is a 4 or 5 row made?..Thanks Miller
These radiators are available on line through the ZONE, NAPA and others, should cost $135 more or less for the 3row job. Remember the 3rd row was added to the back side.
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