Radiator: How Much Do I Need?

J

jack orchard

Senior Member
I have a 1951 F1 with a 276 Flathead. I need a radiator. I see them from $179 to $850. 2 rows, 3 rows, 4 rows. I am in Florida, so heat is a factor. How much cooling do i need? How many rows? Aluminum or copper/brass? Who should i buy it from? Anyone have any experience with difference between brands and types of construction?
As always, many thanks to all.,...jack
 
Have your original recored. Flat motors need all the cooling they can get, so get as many rows as it will hold. Always brass for any car you plan on keeping for a while, as aluminum tends to go south fairly rapidly. Also, nothing better than brass for cooling except copper and silver.
 
I have a Walker that I had recored to 4-rows. I am running stock WP's and a Car-type 3-blade fan. The most I have ever seen the Temp gauge move, even in slow traffic in 100-deg weather, is about a needle width. Copper/brass is expensive now, but it's the best. Watch out on cheap aluminum rad's for tanks that are glued in place, no repairs possible.
 
Explore the possibility of adding a fan shroud if your existing radiator doesn't have one. It will make a difference in stop and go traffic.
 
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