Hey guys, I'm back.... I'm now ready to look for a replacement radiator for the '53. My fan drilled a perfect 15 inch hole through it. Damn flex fans anyway! I've heard all kinds of 'lash-ups' but really want the best cooling system. I don't care much for the 'stock appearance' but more on cooling efficiency for the 350 chevy that's in it. Thanks guys!
I ran across a supplier on ebay that has a radiator for 52-56 Fords that is complete with electric fan and shroud no mods needed to bolt it in,I ran across it by putting 1954 Ford radiator in search.
Here's another suggestion, Gino: 1949-1953 Ford Aluminum Radiator 1950 1951 1952 49 50 Nice looking radiator...and it's for a '52-'53 Ford WITH A CHEVY IN IT! They list 'em with and without ****** cooler in the bottom. If my ship comes in soon I think I'll invest in one for my '52 Vicky with a Chevy V8/4-speed combo.
The Mustang radiator is almost a bolt in for our early Fords,put this number in ebay search:150383217675 contact the seller before you order so you make sure the outlets are on the correct sides,they usually have them available both ways.
Thanks guys!.... I'm on it... I'm working on getting the old one out now and cleaning everything...... the entire underside of the car is a mess! It "went" at 60 mph so antifreeze is all over the car... and cars behind me! thanks, I'm buying something today I need my baby back on the road.
Let me know which one you buy, Geno! I need some first-person information so I can make a good choice, too. Thanks! Eric
My Walker Cobra Z got shipped today....I'll keep everyone informed as it gets installed and then how it performs. I've used Walker Cobras twice in the past. They're expensive, yes, but they are no excuses quality and they work. And...for me....the added benefit is that they look stock.
The one I ordered is for my 54, however, they do carry them for 53's as well. And, they're expensive....anywhere from $500 to $700. I'm sure there are mighty fine radiators out there that are cheaper, that will fit with some very minor modifications and I'm certainly not knocking them, however.....if you want something that was specifically designed for your car, specifically with a transplanted small block, and something that you know will fit perfectly and work 100%, no excuses, then this is the way to go. Add to that the fact that they're 100% American made, by a family-owned company....and they pick up the phone when you call them and talk straight to you....well, to me it's just the way to go. I wasn't totally sure which radiator I needed from Walker (they have many choices for 52 - 56 Fords), so I called them. Their tech help guy was friendly, and asked me several questions about my car, what engine I was swapping in, what side my hoses were going to be on, etc, etc and he made a specific recommendation. I've learned, from the school of hard knocks, that you don't mess around with a few things in a hot rod, the wiring system, the fuel delivery system, the braking system and the cooling system. You get those things 110% right, and you spend the money if needed.
Hey guys... I pulled the radiator out and took it to my local radiator guru.... He is going to re-core it! He says he can salvage it! It will run me about $250 so.... why not! A lot lower than replacing it. He is adding another core row for more volume and cooling.
Hey Geno! Was the old radiator a '52-'53 or a '54. They're quite different. I'm still looking for the best way to go with my '52 Victoria. I have one of each type radiator. I was planning to use the '54 because it has the outlets in the right place and it looks more "modern" than the earlier one. Since we are both running Chevy motors, I'll be interested to hear how this situation turns out for you. How 'bout a couple photos of the finished product before it goes back into the car? Photos after it goes in would help, too. If I decide to have mine recored, photos might help me find a shop in my area to do the job right. Also... A thicker core might effect the fan-to-radiator clearance. I'll be interested to see what you do in this area as well. I posted a fan suggestion for you on another thread. I've used the Hayden thermal fan clutch/GM factory 7 blade fan on other Chevy-powered applications but don't know how the clearance would work out on my '52. Perhaps you can help me here. Even a water pump-to-radiator dimension would help. Thanks, Geno!
I doubt clearance should be an issue if you use the Chevy short pump also on the plus side is there are plenty of aftermarket pulleys available for cheap.
If Geno's flex fan ate his radiator it musta been pretty close...and thus my concern. I don't want to have the same problem if I can help it. I've already got my fan clutch, fan and pulleys. They were already on the engine when it was in the El Camino it came from. Hopefully they'll fit!
Nice Vicky, Chico! Glad to see one that actually looks like they did back when! Right out of the "little books". Right on!
Well... the stainless flex fan 'pulled' its blades forward grabbing air and acting like a propeller and the tips hit the radiator core peeling them back and tearing a hole through the radiator. I have that happen years ago and should have known and replaced it when I had a changce. I got lazy and now I am paying for it. DO NOT USE THESE FRICKEN FANS... EVER! Mine was a 53 radiator and the extra row of core will be added in the front where the tank overlaps. There is plenty of room for any fan as I had a spacer in mine. Plenty of room between the radiator and short water pump. I'll take a few pics for you!
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