'36 Ford Radiator removal

[36tbird]

I've got some clearance issues I am trying to work out with the radiator in my '36 passenger car. So, I'm just asking if it is feasible to remove the radiator out the top without removing the fenders and grille. I haven't gotten to installing the hood yet. Obviously, hoses, fan and the cowl rods have to go but it looks like I should be able to lift the radiator out through the top. Am I missing something? Anyone done this?

 

[Brian]

Take off the generator/fan assembly and water pumps and you'll have tons of room [well nearly!] It is very do-able.

 

[swedishsteel]

If you have the original style horns at least one will have to come out. I get mine out with removing just the passenger side water pump, dizzy and fan/generator, building on the above info.

 

[Hank the 36]

It helps to tape cardboard over the fins of your radiator to protect them from damage.

H36

 

[36tbird]

Thanks all. I have a 59A in there so the upper water pumps aren't in the equation. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't being cross eyed in estimating this job.

 

[flatheadfan]

[FONT=arial,helvetica,verdana]36tbird-

I am in the process of finishing-up the radiator replacement on my '36. I can't speak for others but I didn't find it particularly easy.

Before you do anything take some pictures of the hood gaps. You will need to remove the hood and the radiator rods and pictures make things easier when you reinstall things.

To remove the radiator I had to tilt it on a slight backwards angle to gain clearance for the radiator platform (measures 22.5 inches, the opening is 21 3/4"). I have a 221 '36 engine and found it necessary to remove the water pumps, generator, intake manifold end stud and the distributor in order to achieve the needed withdrawal angle. I suspect some of this might also pertain to a 59A. On yes, be sure to use cardboard between the engine block and the radiator. I did find that I could remove the radiator by myself.

Once everything is back in place you will need to re-align the grill and hood relationship. This I found time consuming. The radiator hood ornament is the key to the fitting.

Hope this helps.

Tom
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[KiWinUS]

With original engine it is not necessary to remove Distributor or either water pump or generator stud. I have done this many times on my 36 after my Dad showed me how back in 1973! there is a slot each side on the flange where the grille bolts to the rest of front sheet metal that you must slide lower feet of radiator through tilting it first one side & then the other . Back in 73 at 17 years old I struggled forever trying to get rad out , Dad came along & told me to look the other way & had it out in just seconds laughing at me !
He the showed me the trick !(slots in bolting flange )
Cheers
Tony

 

[flatheadfan]

Tony-

I am not real clear where these "slots" are suppose to be located. I can't see any way that shuffling the radiator back and forth would allow me to get the radiator behind the enclosing grille. I sure would like to know a short-cut if I ever need to remove the radiator again! I have included some pictures for help.

Thanks

Tom

 

[KiWinUS]

Tom , great pics ! ok I used the wrong word as in "slots" they are "scallops" shown in your 2nd 3rd & 4th pics ! They are not in all aftermarket grilles .
Cheers
Tony