Coolant Level in 30' Radiator w/hot rod neck?

I'm running a Griffin aluminum radiator Part no. 7-00085 in my 30' A with a flathead. The radiator has a "hot rod" style filler neck that is an elbow at the right rear of the top tank under the hood. You cannot see inside the neck to the tank.

I know that some room for expansion is necessary. How can you tell how much water is in it when you can't see inside? If you fill it to the top it will be puking out coolant once it warms up. And even after it seeks it's own level, how do you check how much is in there later on?

 

I just ran mine until it was up to temp and quit puking. As full as it is going to get. I'm not a worry wart and never check the level until it starts to run warmer. (I do keep an eye on the temp gauge) When the engine starts to run warmer, I just repeat the process and the temp goes back to normal.

Maybe once a summer....stock 32 original radiator and an 8BA flatty.

 

Fill it until you can see it at the opening and then **** out a little with a turkey baster if it makes you feel comfortable. Otherwise just do like Tommy says and monitor your gauge. Can you stick your finger in far enough in the neck to feel the coolant level? This seems like a minor issue in the grand scheme of things.

 

Thanks, that's kind of what I figured, but asked anyhow.

 

Mines the same can usually just see some antifreeze in the bottom of neck. 8ba with griffin alum rad.

 

Thanks, this should result in core just covered when running like when i had a stock filler on top.

 

Agreed - minor issue, was just seeing what u guys have done.

 

I added an overflow tank. The extra goes in there and ****s back in when the radiator cools.