Radiator shell alignment

[BillLee/Chandler TX]

Car is a '29 Tudor. Just finished a major effort on the entire power train and now am having a problem I don't understand.

Before adding the radiator shell, access to the ratchet nut on the crank through the front spring top clamp was simple and straight forward. But after installing the shell, I cannot get a crank to go into the ratchet nut. The crank goes through the shell/radiator/top clamp but misses the center of the ratchet nut enough to prevent it being used. It looks like the crank hole in the shell is misplaced, the shell too long, something....

Anybody have similar experience and/or suggestions?

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Does the shell opening need to be moved UP, or does it need to be moved DOWN?

I've read that some filler holes are very tight, so the shell is horn to press down all the way.

 

[kenparker]

Tom, the shell opening (the crank hole) needs to be moved up. About 1/2 inch. The shell is press down all the way it will go - it is tight against the top of the radiator top tank. Taking a MotorTool and grinding a elongated hole then redrilling the hole for the rivet is one answer, but I have not suggested that to Bill yet.

The shell is one from about 20 years ago and I suspect poor import workmanship.

I am the one who helped Bill with the running gear overhaul. ken

 

[Barber31]

How about you add shims to the radiator feet? That'll push everything up where you need it to be. Easy fix!

 

[duke36]

Is the radiator stock, the top tank in particular ,etc? As in post 4, can add xtra pads but that may change hood alignment .

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

The radiator cap and top of shell opening should almost touch each other. If they have quite a gap, then try moving the shell up. You might have to elongate the shell mounting holes.

 

[BillLee/Chandler TX]

I'll go take some pictures.

Bill

 

[1931 flamingo]

Is the radiator sitting on top of the springs and not under them or vice/versa??
Paul in CT

 

[Fred K-OR]

Do you have the correct shell for the radiator you have?

 

[jm29henry]

Is the shell original or repop.? Was the shell you are trying to put on before working on drive train

 

[BillLee/Chandler TX]

The radiator cap and top of shell opening should almost touch each other. If they have quite a gap, then try moving the shell up. You might have to elongate the shell mounting holes.

Tom, here is a picture of the shell with crank inserted, and another showing the top of the shell and the Quail. I tried to get a picture of the mis-aligned crank and ratchet nut, but that's too confined a space and the pictures are unintelligible.

I am concerned about trying to move the shell much since that affects the hood fit. On the other hand, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Is the radiator sitting on top of the springs and not under them or vice/versa??
Paul in CT

I believe the radiator is supposed to be under the springs with a thin rubber pad between the radiator and the frame. Springs on top. That's how it's mounted.

Do you have the correct shell for the radiator you have?

As far as I know. The restoration was done 30+/- years ago by my BIL and I have no way of verifying the source of the radiator. Given that everything fits to a reasonable degree, I have to believe it's the right radiator for a '29 Tudor. And the shell is a 29 shell.

Is the shell original or repop.? Was the shell you are trying to put on before working on drive train

Again, no way of telling for sure, but I would be VERY surprised if the shell is original. Seems that a lot of the sheet metal around the front end is repop and fits are poor in many places. This is the same shell, and it was badly aligned before as well!

 

[kenparker]

Bill, I have not paid that close attention to the WHY it did not fit. I just blamed it on being a repop. But, from the second picture you might be able to unbolt the shell, raise it the 1/4" than redrill the four holes that hold shell to radiator and , maybe, get a better alignment for the crank. We can look at that when I bring the seat brackets.

 

[kenparker]

One mo thing. That IS a 28-29 radiator.

 

[BillLee/Chandler TX]

One mo thing. That IS a 28-29 radiator.

Thanks, Ken, for the confirmation.

Bill

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

From the picture I'd say you front apron and radiator shell are repro.
My 28 has original parts and fits well.
My 29 has a 25 year old repro shell and it also fits fine, but then I did buy the 29 from a guy that ran a body shop.

 

[4port]

End the confusion and temporarily install an original shell. Then you you will know, if the radiator shell mounting brackets are positioned wrong or the elevation of radiator to frame is off. I don't believe you mentioned if the radiator is repo or not. If has always been a good idea to take the shell with you for recore at a radiator shoo.