I have a Model A Frame, 32 Grill Shell. I need the right size Radiator. Walker has a 32 with either a 1, 2, or 3 inch shortened. I've heard - not totally sure - that 2 inches is what I need, so the top of Grill Shell is at the right height. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Only way to know for sure is to put your body on the frame where it will sit, then put the grille shell on so it is positioned at a height that is not above the top of the cowl. Then run a string or some thing similar across the top of the firewall to the top of the grille shell. Stand back and look at it to make sure the string isn't running uphill, and do some measuring to verify the grille shell is either at the same level as the cowl or just a hair below it. ( It looks bad when the grille shell is higher than the cowl) Now measure from the peak of the grille shell down to the top of the crossmember. Give Walker, or whoever does your radiator, that dimension and they should be able to tell you what size you need. You will need to deduct about a half inch from the peak so there is some clearance between the top of the tank and the shell. Tell them you need a model a style bottom tank so it will bolt up to the crossmember. Don
If your happy with where the shell is, I think your ready to use the tape measure. Top of mount hole in crossmember to bottom side of top of grill shell. Nothing to it. The Wizzard
I used a original 32 grille opened up a little for the water filler of a stock 31 radiator. You need a Flathead V8 one though. I had a 30 radiator upper tank & it recored for a F.H.V8 for $150 at good old school rad shop.
Here is a couple pictures of my sport coupe its channeled 4 in so I used the 2 inch shorter rad from gear head and also trimmed sides if grill shell out to drop down if your car is not channeled the stock size should be ok it was somewhere around 350 shipped hope this helps
The Jalopy Journal
