I hope this works for you. It is an idea I thought about doing on my build. I would be concerned about several things...1.) that the air volume forced into the rectangular duct will try to expand it or blow it apart. 2.) that it might make a lot of noise 3.) that the volume of air through it might be restricted and 4.) that the air flow across the top of the radiator will be greatly reduced due to the duct shape, resulting in an smaller effective radiator area. (Please take these comments as constructive, they are written based on experience as an Architectural Engineer in HVAC designing ductwork). You could consider turning vanes inside to help air flow across the the top of the radiator. However, they will restrtict the air somewhat and make more noise.
I think you're going to have trouble with the radiator where you have it, despite the elaborate and well built ducting. Why not just put it behind the grill shell where it belongs? I'm not nitpicking, it's a very cool build, but that looks like a mistake you'll regret down the road...
"I think you're going to have trouble with the radiator where you have it, despite the elaborate and well built ducting. Why not just put it behind the grill shell where it belongs? I'm not nitpicking, it's a very cool build, but that looks like a mistake you'll regret down the road..." I agree, in addition to the comments by kscarguy; I think you are creating more work and trouble than necessary. Obviously, you know what you are doing but, you may have "thought too much" about this situation. No negativity intended. All the best, Dale Cleveland OH
Years ago, I talked to the owner of a very nice COE. He had his radiator mounted in a similar location as yours, behind his cab. He then had to install a second radiator to cool his truck. It was a matter of air flow issues. Again, nothing personal, yours is a beautiful build. If you stay with the radiator in back concept, then consider this...You will have about 6" of empty space under your seats. Perhaps you could angle the top of the air duct through this empty space to improve the air flow directed towards the radiator. I think that would help a lot. Keep up the good work!
It was many years ago, but I saw a '47 Ford COE where the fellow had his street rod on the back, up at an angle (to clear the motor). In front of the motor were 2 regular radiators that had electric fans in front of them. After talking with him, he said that the second rad was needed when he was in traffic, but not a problem when under way. There was nothing cut away from the cab as the fans were about 3-4" away from the body. It was an awesome build. Just passing on some info. from someone that had already done what you are trying to do. Your duct work is very unique and awesome.
Corvettesander, After looking at all the floor space you have in your truck I HATE YOU! This is a picture of my floor space.
my thought was i didnt need to route all cooling lines to the front including motor oil and transmission lines + the radiator i have would not fit in front maybe adding an extra electric fan would help for traffic driving in hot weather
My original desire for a car hauler was COE and I had in the works an engine, frame, and cab to purchase for the project. Then I found a car hauler that was such a good deal I couldn't pass it up, so that project never happened for me. But I'll be following this one, and I may have to steal some of you ideas if I ever revisit my original desire.
I think your doing a fantastic job. Remember to put a large cooling fan in front of radiator, must cover all of it, larger the better. I would make extended cab, but that's all in what your needs are....Keep up the good work.....Ted McClure gasserted@yahoo.com
your duct work looks good . Im an old ac guy and did lots of duct work and if you pull air it will not blow but could suck shut. Figure your air need the figure your sq. in for intake , go to an ac guy and have him run flow figs. But looking at it should be good for 2000 to 2200 cfm with out problem . Much more may get noise . Love the build . Just got back from LSR and starting my $@ gmc coe this week and Im stealing ideas from you . lol
ok i have decided to stick with the plan of the radiator behind the cab (good or bad we shall see) and add an extra electric fan and a vane to scoop the air up into the upper part of the radiator. now i am working on the brake assembly setup and locating the steering column figuring out what parts i need. and its going to be a ''shorty'' column all paint is off finaly
got back working on the ramp made the front corners also got the winch in today ok a little bit overkill with 12000lbs checking the fit and will make a nice cover for it later on
Beautiful! I don't care where the radiator is. The curved bed corners look fantastic, it looks killer. I also like the engine choice. Brian
hey sander, these guys giving all the great advice ,might be correct or incorrect, they don;t realize that you are Dutch, and i have be told many times that if your Dutch means , wooden shoes, wooden head and wouldn't listen ! I am alway's the same as you, I AM DOING IT MY WAY ! and I will fix it my way if it's wrong ! by the way i am DUTCH AS WELL ! REALLY LOVE THE RAMPPY !
Thanks for the thumbs up ! Yes I am dutch ! soon i will get the wood in for the ramp floor So we can check how it will handle a car on top of it
got the winch in place and out of sight now i am working on the engine harness have got the pcm re-programmed and pinning out al emission related wiring, and re routing wiring for stand alone left over wiring added some wiring to go to the dash and a few wires for fused key power
Looking good. If that is a 3/8" bolt in the roller? Note that a standard Grade 2 bolt only has a shear strength of only 510 pounds. 7/16" goes to 700#, 1/2" goes to 900#. Maybe move to grade 5 or 8? They are much stronger. Here is a link to some bolt specs and safe working loads. http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/bolts/SAE_bolt_strength.html
i am using a M12 8.8 bolt in metric thats std grade from there it goes up from 10.9 to 12.9 a M12 8.8 bolt has a shear strenght of 38150 Newton should be enough
Dang, I'd sooner expect to see a penguin in Kenya than one of these trucks in the Netherlands! subscribed
X2 I know that I fall into that category , also you can tell a Dutchmen , but not much ! Ok I am going to stop this nonsense now , before some tries to tell me , good luck !