Hot Rods Blocking ports on a '34 Ford radiator

Hi all,

I'm working on a '34 Ford with a SBC. The previous owner used the original radiator and blocked off two of the four ports to adapt it to the 350. Problem is, he used the DS top port, which leaves very little clearance for the hose around the alternator. I'd like to block that one off and open up the PS port to use that one instead.

It looks like he soldered in some plugs. The opening is just shy of 1 3/4", so does anyone know where I can find a plug to fit that opening? I was thinking maybe a br*** freeze plug would do the trick, but thought I'd ask here first before taking stabs in the dark.

Thanks,
Nick

 

I would take it to a good rad shop,they could fix that so quick it would make your head spin,try and find a shop that does a lot of industrial rads,they would be better at "patching" stuff like this.You will be better off in the long run,especially if you have no experience at this kind of work. good luck . harvey

 

Thanks, but I've actually soldered radiators before, and done plenty of residential plumbing. I just don't know where to get the plug.

 

You no doubt could solder a soft plug in there. that would actually be a pretty clean setup. Most better auto parts stores have an ***ortment of soft plugs that you could go through and no doubt fine a plug the correct size.

 

Would it be better to remove that neck and put a flat patch over the area? Stronger?

 

Once you unsolder the plug, you'll have one to put in the other side

 

I thought about that, but figured it'd be less work if I could find a new one rather than clean the old one enough to reuse it. Worse comes to worst I can use the old one, though.

 

While the old port is still warm wipe it off with some clean steel wool and solder it in to the port you want to plug.