Help With Radiator Selection

J

jack orchard

Senior Member
My 51 F1 radiator is beyond repair. Can i get some suggestions for a replacement? Copper/Brass? Aluminum? Recore? Number of rows? Brand Names? I appreciate any and all opinions?...Thanks,jack
 
Some people stay away from aluminum. Claim that they don't cool as well.
Also look out for radiators that are epoxied together and not soldered/welded.
3 rows vs 4 rows. Sometimes a thicker one won't fit.
In my experience with a radiator you get what you pay for..... Stay away from the cheap ones.
Torchie.
 
Yes, I have had a Griffin aluminum radiator and shroud in my 32 roadster since it hit the road about 9 years ago and am very happy with it. At the time I called and said I wanted a 32 radiator that had the maxumum capacity for cooling and they put a core in there that they said could cool a blown big block chevy. It is HIGHLY efficient and as I have posted before, when I first fired up the new engine with no stats it wouldn't get above 110 degrees. My flathead isn't radical, common stuff, merc crank, Ross pistons, mild cam, 2 97s, excellent crab distrib. Runs all day and in 100 degree weather never gets above 180 on my temp guage. Never had ANY trouble with this radiator. It was expensive, around $700 with shroud but I have never had any overheating problems either. I believe this was "furnace brazed" (or something like that ) together.
 
Just put a Griffin in my 40. First time in 8 yrs that I can idle in the garage without overheating. Fan comes on at approx 185, goes to 195 or so, then cools down to 180 and stays. Bring on the parades now. Oh, I also have a shroud.

My .02 worth,

Fourdy
 
Jack,have you checked at National Parts Depot?Part # F-8005-2,$386.75.I got one on my 52 that bolted right up and works like it should. Russ
 
Jack, pick up the June issue of "Street Rodder" magazine, it has a great article that covers all the basics on cooling. Don't get hung up on the aluminum vs copper nonsense because everybody will tell you that they have the best product. Remember also that it also comes down to fan size, thermostat degree and most of all a radiator fan shroud. Do your homework and you will have a cool running car!!
 
40ford:
Can you describe the NPD unit? Their description is a bit limited "21 5/8 INCH X 21 INCH CORE SIZE".
Thanks,
 
Tim,I bought mine from NPD about five years ago and it mounted up perfect.I had to get a different cap though.My old cap would not work.I will check and see if I still have the receipt.LMC also has a listing on one for about the same price.I was well pleased with the one I got from NPD. Russ
 
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