40'Radiator

FLTHDCPE

FLTHDCPE

Member
I have a 40' Ford with a New replacement Radiator from "U.S. Radiator" made specifically for a 40 Ford with a Flathead. It "is a drop -in, bolt up unit" with (2) INL on 10" centers and (2) outl on 13" centers. (stock/original are on 16" centers). With the correct original crank mounted (6) blade fan (3) short and (3) long blades, 16 3/4" dia. I have a clearance problem on the lower left outl hose. Long blade hit's the hose. I don't even want to consider "trimming" the blades for fear of upsetting the critical balance of the original fan. I can't lower the radiator because I have a 3 two manifold with an offset generator and the top hose is an interference fit with the fan belt. No room for adjustment.

If anyone out there has the same "U.S. Radiator" in your 40' Ford I would like to hear from you if you have experienced any fit or interference problems.

I am going to place a call on Monday to "U.S. Radiator" to get their input or?
They are closed for the Holidays.

I'm posting this on "The Ford Barn" because you people understand "Flatheads" even when we are not 100% original.!!
 
How hard is the fan hitting the hose ? Have you tried turning the hose around? I’ve had to trim the hose on the pump side before to gain clearance.
 
The long blade is hitting on the top of the hose at the inlet at the clamp. The hoses are correct original replacement and fit very good.

Thanks Ken for your reply,

Steve.
 
sounds like it may have a 42 bottom tank [when they raised the fan to hang off the generator mount instead of the crank ] whats involved in changeing the bottom tank or just the outlets .
 
How about a photo of the radiator so we can compare to an authentic radiator?
The reproduction hoses often need to be trimmed. They were modeled after a '39 hose and are not quite accurate for a '40.
Perhaps a photo of exactly where the fan hits?
Do NOT trim your fan!!!!
 

Kube, Here you are. (Note that "U.S. Radiator" OUTL. are on 13" centers.) With a "drop -in, bolt up" Replacement? With the stock/original OUTL on 16" centers not sure why they chose the 13" centers. I am in the process of trying to find out.? Looking for a fix without having to relocate the outlets.
I am OK with the fit of the hoses. Hope that the pic's show where the interference is.
Appreciate your input.
Steve.
 
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IMG_1562.jpg

IMG_1561Fan Clearence.jpg

Kube: Let's try this again with pic's. Hope that this shows the interference on the lower left OUTL.

I am OK with the fit of the hoses on the Engine and the Radiator.

Appreciate your input as I know that you wrote the Book on 40' Fords.!
 
If your front motor mounts are old and crushed, replace them. If not, put a couple big washers on top of them. Just be sure you leave enough of the motor mount bolt that you can get at least one leg of the cotter key installed.
 
On my 1999 1940 WALKER replacement radiator the bottom hoses are 13 in. center to center. Top radiator hoses are 10 1/2 " center to center.

You could modify the bottom radiator support to make the radiator sit 1/4 " lower.
 
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You are correct in that it should be 16" center to center on the bottom.
Is it possible to return this so called "drop-in, bolt up replacement"? That's what I would do. If you charged it, file a grievance right away with your card carrier.
Quite obvious it is not as advertised.
This type of misleading advertisement ruffles my feathers. Kinda like the guy that advertises gas tanks that are "exact replacement". Ony they are wider and deeper. You know; exact but different. WTH?

Me? I don't like to start adding washers or modifying things. Usually, the end result looks like the car was pasted together with little forethought.
 
Hello what was the part number on the radiator i hve a 40 coupe been looking at there stuff dont want to buy if its going to be a problem i do have a flat head in my coupe as well thanks
 
The part # for the 1939-40 and 41 Ford models 91ADeLuxe coupe, 99A,01A, C, 09A ,C, 11C, and 19C is 91A 8005-B as found on Page 140 of the 1938-41 Ford Chassis Parts List. Price was $31.

I am wondering why the repro. radiators mentioned above have different centerline to centerline inlet and outlet dimensions. Am I missing something?

Here's the Johnson radiator that replaced Walker.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/John...ord-Deluxe-Radiator-FH-1-75-No-AC,506536.html
 
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drolston: Appreciate your suggestion but refer to my original post and see that I don't have the luxury of rising my Engine. This probably would work if I could.!
Steve.
 
19Fordy: That would be enough, but, same as above I don't have the room to raise or lower the Radiator. I want to wait to hear from "U.S.Radiator" before I start modifying anything.
Steve.
 
Kube:
Couldn't agree with you more. I am awaiting word from "U.S.Radiator" to see what they offer or suggest.?
 
Jumbogem29
"U.S.Radiator" part # is 050016. That's the number that I have, but I would check with them before I would place an order. (Note) They will build the "Radiator" to your spec's, but I did not specify any changes, because it is supposed to fit my application.?
 
This is a remote remembrance from 50 years ago but, as I recall there are two sets of holes in the top frame rail that will allow you to mount the radiator a little more forward. Would that help you?
 
Kube:
I also had the experience of installing that very same Gas Tank, so I know Who we are talking about.! I tried to suggest some changes, but He didn't want to talk about them.?
Steve.
 
FLTHDCPE said:
Kube:
I also had the experience of installing that very same Gas Tank, so I know Who we are talking about.! I tried to suggest some changes, but He didn't want to talk about them.?
Steve.
Click to expand...

One must remember that the same frustrations that we have with parts that don't fit are experienced by the supplier himself, who doesn't have the option to return for refund. He's got an inventory of parts he can't sell, maybe some expensive tooling that can't be modified, and all the while getting seriously badmouthed by the same guys that are very happy with his other products. It's a cruel world where one mistake can bring down the whole company. You gotta admire the tenacity of a guy that despite all the badmouthing, he's hanging in there for the hobby. If we're talking about the same guy, he's been supplying parts for the hobby since the stone age and has sponsored dozens of EFV8 National Meets, alternating with another legend of the hobby, and yet we (including myself) treat him badly.
 
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