The first question is what does the original radiator look like in the '54 Customline that came with the Y-block V8? Next question is what would be the best place to buy a radiator and exterior trans cooler from?
I am ***uming you have no radiator . I would measure the space you have then go to a radiator site or one that sells them and look for a size that fits the space you have . Just make sure the inlet hose is on the correct side ! I have a 1967 Mustang radiator in my 55 Ford with a Y block . Works fine with no over heating issues . I would also highly recommend an aluminum radiator ! Jim
I thought you had a 351W in your '54 and a C4 trans? I would run the B&M trans cooler part# BMM-70268 it is only $49.95(www.summitracing.com) it is a stacked plate design all the hoses and clamps come with it too,I would not buy the cheaper made aluminum coolers the fins are prone to bending too easy.Summit also has the Griffin Aluminum radiators (USA Made) at $180 you need to measure your old radiator for the size you need and the specify outlet and inlet positions.
Do I just measure the top from side mount to side mount or should I have all diagonal and bottom measurements too? Oh yeah Jeff you are half right, I have the 351W but its connected to a C-6. I actually found a stripped bolt hole that keeps the strainer on when I was replacing it and the trans pan gasket. I was told that the best way to fix it is using heli coils. I looked it up on you tube and found out what that really means, so I may take that adventure on this week but I don't have a drill and I'm worried about drilling too far into the trans and totally jacking things up.
54HotRod, if you're worried about drilling too far, you can wrap the drill bit with tape (if you want to drill ¼ inch deep, wrap the bit leaving ¼ inch of the bit exposed) so you know how far to drill.
Since you have a 351W the radiator you will need sometimes will be listed as Ford/Mopar since the upper hose is p*** side,lower hose drivers side.To be safe take all those measurements and call Summit so they can ***ist in ordering.You might want to pick up a 3/8" drill and some bits you will need them when you mount your cooler,a drill and bits would be under $40 at Harbor Freight,you can also get a card of drill stops these are a collar that attach to the bit by snugging down a set screw and you can set the depth you want to drill, about $5.
Once again I have won out by coming to you guys for information. Thank you for helping out again. Jeff I think that you are a walking file of what to do for Ford.
I'm bringing this back because I checked with Summit and the radiators that they have do not fit the the measurements that I have. The measurements are 24in Wide and 22in High for the current radiator that i blew out. The closest thing that Summit has is a radiator that measures 20.25in X 20.25in. There are three others that measure 24.0in wide and 19.0in high. Am I just not understanding something about measuring my radiator? Also what is the size of the original radiator that goes with the '54 Customline that came with the 239ci Y bloc?
24" x 22" sounds like a Ford Mustang radiator size . I am using one in my 55 Ford from a 69 Mustang w/302 . I NEVER use the radiator for cooling my trans fluid either ! That you can mount anyplace in front of the radiator and I recommend NOT using the plastic push thru tie downs ! Just use metal straps with holes in them to make something to mount the trans cooler too in front of the radiator . Jim
I think this radiator may be from a mustang also since there is the original "FordMo" is on the top by the cap. Thank you for the advice on the trans cooler, I had wondered about using zip ties in an area that gets so hot. I was on a site earlier that tells how to measure the radiator and now I'm quite sure that I measured it wrong. I will go back and do this again later according to what the site says and see hat the difference really is
Another thing to consider that I highly recommend is using a fan shroud ! That will really help kool that engine a lot better too ! Jim
The Jalopy Journal
