38 Original radiator with OHV engine

[38 Conv]

Anyone use a good original radiator with a ohv engine with electric fan, I would like to use recondition original 38 rad in a 38 Ford pick-up with ohv engine will it cool it or is the 38 pick-up radiator 2 single radiators halfs in the shell--- I will have to close off 1-top and 1 lower opening to use-- any pictures of any installed--Thanks

 

[40cpe]

I've had two experiences with original radiators and OHV engines. I used my original '40 radiator with my 302 engine and it tended to overheat at slow and fast speeds. I never let it boil but it would run in the upper limits sometimes. I put a Griffin in and it's perfect. I now have an original radiator in a '38 deluxe cooling a 283 chebby (I wish I had caught the guy before the engine went in) that I have to put a 180 degree t-stat in to make it run 170 on a high 90's day. I would say your '38 rad would do it if it isn't a big engine.

 

[Marv]

I have a 39 Standard which has the same as a 38 deluxe radiator and i ran a 322 cubic inch Buick engine in the car for a couple years and never had any troublr with it overheating. Marv

 

[Dick]

I've run Hemi's, 350's, Buick's and Olds engines with original radiators and never had an heating problem. Dick

 

[345 DeSoto]

The engine in my Avatar is an original 32, 4 cylinder radiator, and cools my blown Hemi perfectly at all speeds...

 

[CWPASADENA]

If your radiator is in good condition, it will cool your OHV Engine without a problem. An OHV Engine is a lot easier too cool then a Flathead.

Chris

 

[PeteVS]

Have any of you added a pressure cap to your original radiators? Stock location or off on the side like an aftermarket? Or, are you just running 'em without pressure?

 

[Dick]

I use a 4# pressure cap on mine. The radiator shop pressure tests them when I have them cleaned. Stock location.

 

[345 DeSoto]

Mine is zero pressure...with an overflow container....closed system...

 

[sturgis 39]

The "R" value of copper is about half of aluminum. Copper cools better. I went to a car show this weekend. A friend was there with a nice 55 Chevy two door hardtop. It has a 350 sbc and some fancy wheels. He installed two aluminum radiators and two electric fans. He said it was not overheating but ran warm with the stock radiator. I was disappointed with his changes.