Radiator for my 1939 Ford

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IndianapolisRacer

Senior Member
My 1939 Ford has a 1948 Mercury engine in it and is cooled with the original 1939 non pressurized radiator and in addition the fan is mounted on the lower pulley so I need a good pressurized radiator with an electric cooling fan . What is the best combination and where do you recommend to get it . Thanks
 
If you indeed have the original radiator and it is in good shape, Skip Haney sells a 4 pound pressure valve that attaches to the bottom of your existing radiator which would solve your pressure problem. And an alternative to the electric fan, you could change to a 37-39 standard generator with a top mounted fan (a lot easier if the radiator is original and has the dome underneath it to allow for tightening the generator).
 
I installed a Walker in my 40 in 1999 and it has given me zero problems. Be sure to tell them the size of your upper and lower hose connections, just to be sure. They will change the size if you want. They also sell a shroud.Best to call them and explain your situation.
 

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I'm using a Cooling Components fan on my '38. I have it on a thermo switch in the head that turns it on at 195 and off at 180. It cycled on/off on the hottest Mississippi days this summer. It is quiet, too. I'm running a stock, clean, 4-row original radiator. The only negative I can say is that the shroud blocks some natural air flow so the fan still cycles at road speeds.
 
I'm running a Brass Works in my '39 with an 8ba. Cools fine and I'm very happy with it. Lee will discuss your particular situation and build you exactly what you need. JMO.
 
IndianapolisRacer said:
Thank you I will contact Walker , car does not over heat on open road but when in traffic gets hot !
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That means the radiator is ok.
You need to fit a shroud to improve flow standing still or an electrical fan.
Same issues will be still there with a new radiator so plan for a shroud or electrical fan ahead of the swap.
 
19Fordy said:
I installed a Walker in my 40 in 1999 and it has given me zero problems. Be sure to tell them the size of your upper and lower hose connections, just to be sure. They will change the size if you want. They also sell a shroud.Best to call them and explain your situation.
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What radiator cap are you using 3#, 4#. 7# ect
 
I'm using one of these in my 40 coupe with a 47 Merc motor and it runs cool, even in the heat we get here in Australia. I dont have thermostats fitted but I installed the 40 bottom pulley and use the original 40 fan.

I even had to fit an extra VDO temp gauge because I couldn't believe the low reading I was getting on the stock gauge. Turned out it was right.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CHAMPION-3-ROW-ALUMINUM-RADIATOR-39-40-41-FORD-CAR-SEDAN-MERCURY-COUPE-FLAT-HEAD/273029260491?fits=Year%3A1940%7CMake%3AFord&hash=item3f91cfe4cb:g:cpIAAOSwaC9aX0qu&vxp=mtr
 
I am using a 10 pound cap from Walker. I made my bottom hoses out of copper tubing and then chrome plated it. Top hoses are out aluminum. Goal was to eliminate as much rubber hose as possible.
 

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Indy,
I go with flatjack.......I'm real happy with my stock rad and Walker shroud
on my '41 1/2 ton, same rad and fan setup as yours. 264" '49 Merc, big compression,
Max 1 cam and ancient Rochester 4 brl. Zero pressure don't even tighten the cap.
I will admit it was Jack who steered me away from an elect fan or new rad...
thank you sir.
Charlie ny
 
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