Using an original 1933 Radiator with an 8BA

Can I use my original '33 rad with a mild 8BA, or would I be better off to buy something modern?

 

If it's in good condition, of course you can use it. Thousands of guys have.

 

Clean, no leaks, sure that's what it was designed for!

 

Typical newbie question I know, but glad to have people you can ask who know, thanks!

 

My original 32 non pressurized radiator cools my 8BA just fine. No flathead lore needed. I had read all the flathead hype and folk lore wives tales too. No washers and other tales. Just 160 stats (with no added hole drilling) and a mechanical fan. I did adapt a flex type fan to the 8BA fan mount.

I've cooled 2 34 Ford P/Us with the original non-pressurized radiator. One running a Chevy engine and the other running a Stude V8. Never a problem.

 

I think only issue is the small upper hoses on the 8BA. I used to convert by cutting ends off of an 8BA hse as spacers at the thermo housings, slide them on with tacky gasket cement, and then put on the early hoses woth two clamps close together.
Nowadays you can buy purpose made rubber adaptor sleeves from the radiator hose suppliers, and those will likely be better configured. The position of the 8BA hoses is such that something very close to stock '33 hoses will fall right into place.