1952-59 Ford Radiator replacement for 53 Merc w/302

Am lookin for any and all knowledge as to what is a good candidate for a radiator (for SBF) for a 53 Merc. Currently I'm workin on putting everything back together only I've got one thing holding me back. I could have swore I found a thread on here in regards to a good drop-in radiator that took little to no fabrication. yes...I tried the search... easy, ...easy.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Nolan

 

Hi Nolan!

Trust me, you are safe here in the '52-'56 Ford Social Group to ask questions that have been asked before. Nobody's going to jump your s**t. This is an official HAMB "Flame-Free Zone". Welcome aboard. I'm sure somebody will help you out soon.

 

How about a 54 radiator? I'm not sure the inlets/outlet is on the corect sides though. It should be more than enough to cool.

 

First thing is to measure the size you will need,contact www.speedwaymotors.com they have their own line of universal radiators that work real well for a great price,rather than doing an online order call and talk to them they will also want to know inlet and outlet locations,also get the mounting kit as well.Speedway has a good reputation for customer service here on the HAMB so tell them you are a member up front.

 

Missysdad1- ...Thanks buddy!

Paul- I've given thought to that but to find a parts car round here with a decent core that WILL NOT have to be re-cored is close to impossible. I'm looking to find a late model...say, a rad out of an 80's van?...Mustang?...Maverick...?

Jeff- Jeff...Originally that was the route I was going to take being that Speedway has practically the answer to any problem I've ever had and the part to take care of it.... but I'm on a tight....tight.....pre-popped cherry-tight budget. I've got some credit spooled up at the local pick'n pull so that's where I'm looking to pick up something decent. I've got $1k put into the WHOLE drivetrain and kinda wanna keep it that way. How do I say it gently that I'm broke?

All in all...thank you very much for your input fellas!

....still, any thoughts?

Best,
Nolan

 

I took that route myself,the local Pic-N-Pull has a 50% off day on tuesday so I took a tape measure and a small LED flashlight to look in the cores.My '54 has a HD radiator from a Jeep Grand Cherokee,cost $30.My original radiator was missing and the 302 required the lower hose to be drivers side so it fit with just a few mounting holes being drilled,used an early model top hose and late model lower hose with minor t*******.

 

Nice Jeff!!! That's what I'm lookin' for!... you would happen to remember roughly what year JeepGC you pulled it from would you?

Nolan

 

I think it was early or mid 80's,also check some of the mid 70's ford pickups.

 

...word.

 

A lot of Mopars have the inlet and outlet in the same location as Fords,so check them too.

 

Thanks Jeff but i beat you to it. Well, not Mopar but.... Went out to the local yard and pulled a CLEAN rad out of a 90' Econo. The thing is flawless and should make a *****in' replacement. The measurement isn't exact, but I was just looking for something close with the outlets for a SBF.

But I do appreciate all of your help in the matter!

-Nolan

 

I have a 55 Ford and I am using a Mustang radiator for my Y block . Haven't had any problems with it and cools just fine even in traffic ! They are small and compact and fit nicely .

RetroJim