New Radiator for '55

[Daves55Sedan]

Got my radiator back from the shop today. They did a real nice job soldering the old mounting brackets onto the new radiator. They sandblasted the brackets before soldering. I brought it home, cleaned and re-painted the brackets black tonight. Tomorrow, I am going to install the radiator in the car.
I did also send the receipt from the radiator repair shop to Concours Parts and asked for a reimbursement. Let's see what happens!

 

[KULTULZ]

Untouched restoration??? Notice that it is also missing a hood side bumper from the inside lip of the front fender, the factory air deflector extension is missing in front of the radiator, something else is mounted there, look at how the fuel hose is routed to the fuel filter way over on the fender apron. That could have been done nicely with tubing similar to factory except with fuel filter inserted. The bottom fan shroud/splash pans are also missing. That air cleaner is from a later model car. Appears to be clean and well kept. Maybe it's a trailer queen?

IMO, a badly done RESTO-MOD, but the basic car can be saved.

The car is a rare S-code, one of only 7 cars built in 1956. It is believed to have been a test or pilot car. The S cars were built at the Pilot plant of Ford located in Somerville, Massachusetts. The third digit in the VIN number indicates the S code.

The Ford Y- Block 312 C. I. With dual quads, as been fully rebuilt. The rear end has been completely rebuilt too. Changed all leaf springs, tie rods, steering connector. Master cylinder replaced, new brake lines installed.
Transmission has been completely rebuilt. Front disc brakes were installed.

A Perfect Fit Heat/ Cool/ Defrost system has been added to the car, specifically for the 1956 Fairlane and Crown Victoria

Automatic Mono/ Stereo with CD player as been installed with IPod ready function.

We installed a push fan in front of the radiator to insure car does not overheat, we installed a new custom built radiator. New Thermostat installed.

Transmission is 3 speed on the column, manual.

It also had power steering, tinted glass, dual chromed mirrors, rear antenna, bright rocker trim and stone guards, bumper guards, wire wheel covers on wide Whitewalls, rear bumper exhaust outlets, fender skirts and a Continenal kit.

SOURCE- http://oscarmotorcars.com/ford-list...ia-hardtop-rare-s-code-312225-hp-3-speed.html

 

[Daves55Sedan]

So, here is the reply I received to my e-mail from Concours administration:
At the first sign of a problem you should have contacted us. Since you had it modified with out contacting us, there is nothing we can do for you. We have an 800 number, you should have called us at the first sign of an issue. We have sold this item for many years and if it was a manufacture problem we would have replace it, and picked up the radiator to determine the problem. As you have done modifications to the item, it is no longer our issue.
Then, here is the reply I sent back to them. I am done with them.
[FONT=Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif]This is a 100% original car and the new radiator is now bolted in with my old radiator side mounting brackets, no problem. So, if US radiator has been supplying this 54/55/56 radiator with the same brackets they put on mine, then none of them that sold previously could have fit in a 54/55/56 for full size car.[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif]Let's see, If I had sent the radiator back, it would have costed $65 for shipping and I would still not have a radiator right now. What I did was the most efficient and least costly thing for me to do to get the car right again.[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif]I have spent thousands of $$$ at Concours Parts over the decades, but now, since you just want to shine me on, I think I will just need to take my future business elsewhere.[/FONT]

 

[Bleach]

I've think I've only had limited experience with them only because I don't like repop parts. I only look for NOS or OEM parts so I don't worry about bad fitting or poor quality chinesium crap.