Projects 1949 Buick Sedanette Mild Custom Build

I have a smaller fan pulley. The one they used on AC cars.

 

Due to the way the engine is mounted, the fan sits low in relation the the radiator. At idle speeds, it pulls air pretty well through the center of the core but not the top (where the hottest coolant is). The fan manufacturer recommends 1" of clearance around the fan. That's what I built. I am going to try two small puller fans in the top corners of the shroud next. They should be in tomorrow.

 

. . . and the fan should be about 1" back from the radiator. Get up to a 3" fan extender and angle the shroud's sides up to the circular part.

 

I have no cooling problems with my 49 and a 472 Cad engine. I have a cheap aluminum radiator I bought on ebay and an engine driven fan. The big difference between our two cars is mine has a chopped top and a chopped firewall. This gives a big space between the extended hood and the cowl top for air to escape. When up to temp and idling you can feel the hot air being blown out and across the windshield. Same effect as a louvered hood.

 

My radiator is thicker and I have a condensor. That adds to my problem. The 4 row radiators are pretty notorious for needing extra oomph to push air through them. Then, there is not much oomph left over to push the air out of the engine compartment. You did good by adding extra area for hot air to escape from the top. If I had one do-over, I would have louvered my inner fenders.

 

I think getting the air out of the engine compartment could be your problem. I also have a condenser in front of my radiator I believe I have a 3 core radiator with no fan shroud.

 

It is definitely part of the equation. I cut some 6 x 10 openings at the lower rear of my inner fenders. That definitely helped. Hope I don't have to add fans to evacuate the hot air. Stay tuned.

 

I hate flex fans.

 

You must have a shroud!

 

Ok. I ended up adding two 5" fans to the top of the shroud. This helped a lot. I also added two 5" fans to the rear of the inner fenders to help remove heat. It runs extremely cool while cruising 35+ but temps will rise when I stop. It takes about 15 minutes for it to climb to 220 with the AC running, so I'm going to call that good enough.....for now.

 

I also decided it's about as finished as it's going to get, so it was picture time. The light was less than ideal but you can get a pretty good idea of how the car looks. I've taken it to a couple of local cruise-ins and it has drawn quite a bit of attention. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Now, I'm ready to road trip this sucker!

 

You should be very proud of it. That is one awesome build.jmho. Snowman ⛄️

 

Roc that is absolutely gorgeous. You knocked it out of the park. I hope all your hassles fade away and you enjoy cruising in it. Brian

 

Great looking Buick! I took the one in my avatar from Kansas to the west coast when I got it to what I called done. Somewhat eventful trip but overall a good trip. Have fun driving that beauty.

 

Those temps that you're seeing are very manageable. You're talking about sitting in stopped dead traffic with the air conditioning on for 15+ minutes in blazing summer heat. That's not the most common scenario, and usually even if you're in a slow down, you're still moving and circulating some water and air. Worst case scenario is it starts to rise past 220, and you turn the AC off and you're personally uncomfortable but the car is no worse for wear.

Man, you knocked it out of the park with this build. What a great looking car. You should really be proud

 

Thanks! That is the same conclusion I reached.

 

Gorgeous car Rock. Job well done!
Traceys Dad

 

Are the portholes functional? Those would let out trapped air

 

One on each side is.

 

Nice, nice, and nice...

 

Lookin' gooooo-oooood...!!! A long cruise of several hundred miles will allow you to find all the problems -IF you have any more...!!! Keep your AAA and cell phone handy and good luck...!!!
R-

 

One of the nicest cars ever built here on the HAMB! Congrats!

 

Beautiful, classy Buick.......Are you bringing it to Frog’s?

 

A whole lot more than skin deep beauty.

 

Very nice ride. All it needs now are some road miles.

 

Not going to Frog and besides, it not PRE 49. It is 49. So, my understanding is its not eligible. I'm going to a metalworking workshop this year.

 

Very nice!!

 

Now that IS REALLY NICE. Just amazing, GR8 job!!

 

Duh, had a senior moment combination brain cramp!