I'm to the point on my truck where I need to address the radiator/fan setup. What are my options, either mechanical or electric? I'd like to see some pictures of your installations. Thanks.
Most will tell you to stay traditional with a mechanical fan, but there are a few threads on here where guys have used old stlye electric household fans and made them into cool retro look fans.
I raised the radiator 1-1/2 inches on my '40 pu and ran a flex fan, no problem, used a fan spacer to get it close to the radiator. Also, if you have slight overheating in traffic, drill two or three small, 3/32" holes around the flange of your thermostat.
I have a extreme dislike of electric fans. The only place for them is a little foreign car. On my 40 ... a 6 blade fan and a good water pump kept the engine right on the thermostat ( 180 ) . I ran a 195 in the winter months for better heat. My old 40 even had a 40 original radiator
I'm on the other side of the debate, I run only electric fans, and SPAL brand is what I use. As for radiators, I also lean toward what some might not consider traditional, I go with aluminum, and for those I buy mine from PRC. While I like things that look somewhat old I like modern updates in some areas. Burn me at the stake, but things like electronic ignition and alternators just make my driving a little more enjoyable. But that is a personal choice and not for everyone. Living in Florida, especially during the Summer months I have learned what works and what doesn't. Don
That's what I used as well. No problems so far but I haven't driven it that far either. Either way installation was easy. 48 Poncho
Thanks for your replies. I'm really thinking about using a mechanical fan but think I will have to raise the radiator in order to use a 16-17 inch fan. Wonder much hood to radiator clearance there is?
And it's still cooling the 283 (+0.060") just fine. Folks are always amazed when I tell them that the car runs 180-185* all the time (ok, mebbe 190-195 in really hot weather and going real slow, like driving into to Bowling Green). And this without a shroud or any frontside radiator sealing. Go mechanical! vic
I would go with a fan from an early 90's ford Taurus. here is a link with wiring diagrams and everything http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2003/02/electricfan/index.php
Plan on A/C, I use CCI [Cooling Componants} on all three of mine. No A/C, I would use a mechanical fan and a shroud. Mine are built for cross country touring and the fan on my 46 has been there a LONG time without a problem. I am a big fan of CCI units.
On my sedan I run a 16 inch Spal with curved blades. The curved blade model makes less noise. Its mounted on brackets I fab'd to hold it to the radiator. Don't use the plastic push thru mounting pins that come with some of the fans. Only leads to vibration induced leaks later. I don't have a shroud but I did add a plate that lays in front of the radiator on top of the hood latch area. I think it helps keep the air directed at the radiator. Bob Drake sells them or just make one yourself.
On my 39 coupe with a SBF, I simply used a fan/clutch setup. I am not a big fan of electrics...... too much wiring, relays, etc. to make them work "right"
On my 40 Coupe with original trans/rearend and points distributor 350 Chevy with a 11T 41 Truck radiator I used a long water pump and pulleys with a short spacer mounting a flex fan until the perfect storm ( bad slab drop, stop light ) occured and flexed the flan through the top of the core. Still drove it home in two minute bursts about 3/4 mile. Had the radiator recored and installed a five-blade steel factory GM fan. Never a problem after that with forward flex and always ran cool with the 11T and the 91A split core I also had.
In my T, I had a mechanical fan and she never ran hot. After my wreck, someone gave me an electric (don't know the brand). It never cooled good enough. Earlier this week, I went back to mechanical and all is good again. I'll never go electric again. Damn thing was noisy, too.
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