radiator

Alaska Jim, Any 2 row radiator is too small for an engine with a blower as it only has 2 rows. It is an 'economy" radiator. You should use a 4 core radiator (best) for cooling capacity or a 3 core. Goggle, the terms (2 row radiator), ( 3 row radiator) and (4 row radiator) and find out differences. A few days ago there was a long thread posted from a fellow who couldn't get his Brassworks radiator to cool his blown flathead, in his opinion. That thread is listed below. Call GRIFFEN radiator also.

Don't skimp on your radiator. Buy the biggest core radiator that will fit or have one custom made with the understanding you can return it if it is inadequate.
READ EVERYTHING POSTED HERE.
https://www.google.com/search?q=wha...9j0i22i30l2.6737j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
THEN READ THIS THREAD COMPLETELY;
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=315217&highlight=radiator
THEN PM AND CALL THE FELLOW WHO POSTED THE GRIFFEN RADIATOR THREAD ABOVE AND FIND OUT WHAT HE FINALLY DID WITH HIS RADIATOR TO SOLVE HIS PROBLEM.

FINALLY: You may find that a custom made 4 row aluminum radiator will work well.
https://www.google.com/search?q=4+R...ome..69i57.33624j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
 
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51504bat. I did contact The Brassworks, they are 4-1/2 months behind. I was hoping to get a radiator before that. still searching. I really would prefer a brass/copper radiator, for ease of possible future repairs. I am , after all in Alaska. we only have one radiator shop in Anchorage anymore, and they do not repair aluminum radiators as far as I know. it is a very sad state of affairs.
 
19fourdy, I talked to griffin radiators, and the assured me that the radiator I inquired about will cool a blown flathead and handle up to an 800hp eng. the tubes in the radiator are 1-1/4 wide so even though there is only 2 rows, the cooling is supposed to be equal to at least a 3 row. could be hype who knows. still thinking and searching. thought this may be the way to go, as there will be no room for a mechanical fan, and this comes with an electric puller fan and shroud . not real crazy about aluminum, because of possibility of having to make repairs in the future
 
Try this.They bought the all Walker tooling and plan on doing the radiators.
For more information concerning Johnson's Radiator Works or Johnson's Hot Rod Shop, please call (256) 492-7637 or email us at info@johnsonshotrodshop.com


Tradition is not preservation of the past but also the focus going forward toward the future. With plans of continuing an iconic product recognized as the leader in copper and brass cooling systems. Johnson's Hot Rod Shop has acquired the tooling, equipment, and proprietary manufacturing techniques from Walker Radiator Works and will move forward as Johnson's Radiator Works.
America's #1 Street Rod Radiator will continue to live on as a USA made product right here in Gadsden, AL. Johnson's Hot Rod Shop is committed to continuing the same standard of excellence set forth as each radiator will continue using the finest quality materials available.
While it will take some time to get relocated and set up running at full capacity, the product line focus will be continuing on the legacy of Walker Radiator Works as well as developing into other markets for later model car and truck applications. While we are not taking orders at this time, please contact us with your radiator needs to help shape the product line going forward.
 
I have tried Griffin before and find their cooling claims to be a bit exaggerated. I have used and sold dozens of Walker/Johnson radiators over the years with good success. Johnson wasn't making radiators at the time and Walker quit so I ordered a Brass Works for my current FH project. I've used several Brass Works in the past with good results.
 
Alaska Jim said:
51504bat. I did contact The Brassworks, they are 4-1/2 months behind. I was hoping to get a radiator before that. still searching. I really would prefer a brass/copper radiator, for ease of possible future repairs. I am , after all in Alaska. we only have one radiator shop in Anchorage anymore, and they do not repair aluminum radiators as far as I know. it is a very sad state of affairs.
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I'm aware that Brassworks is swamped with orders but if you do decide to go that route you'll know it will fit and cool. JMO


One other option is these guys: http://fontanaradiator.net/
I've used them for repair and a new unobtainium heater core but never an entire radiator. According to their web site they do custom orders but I can't vouch for their custom work.
 
According to the guy with the "undersized" Brassworks radiator on his blown flathead : "I had a cheap Ebay aluminum P.O.S. it there last summer and I had no problems".

Sounds like it might be an answer. As to repairs, a spare aluminum one is probably a lot cheaper than repairing or recoring a copper/brass unit.
 
tubman said:
According to the guy with the "undersized" Brassworks radiator on his blown flathead : "I had a cheap Ebay aluminum P.O.S. it there last summer and I had no problems".

Sounds like it might be an answer. As to repairs, a spare aluminum one is probably a lot cheaper than repairing or recoring a copper/brass unit.
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Those are some good points! Also, every modern car we drive has an aluminum radiator . . . and every one of us knows folks who have been driving their cars for 15+ years and have not changed out the radiator. Also, in many cases with hundreds of thousands of miles on the same radiator/cooling system.
 
Thank all of you for your input, it is appreciated, found a radiator at Champion radiator, and they have it in stock. They appear to have a good warranty, and the construction looks good from what I can see in the pictures. It is aluminum, but the price is reasonable enough that I think I will take a chance. Met a fellow up here that has one in a '39 sedan, and he is happy with it. It looks good to me when I looked at it in person. any comments on Champion radiator? Thanks to all.--- Jim
 
Alaska Jim said:
Thank all of you for your input, it is appreciated, found a radiator at Champion radiator, and they have it in stock. They appear to have a good warranty, and the construction looks good from what I can see in the pictures. It is aluminum, but the price is reasonable enough that I think I will take a chance. Met a fellow up here that has one in a '39 sedan, and he is happy with it. It looks good to me when I looked at it in person. any comments on Champion radiator? Thanks to all.--- Jim
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Welded or epoxied?
 
I bought 3 ebay aluminum welded radiators and cannot be more pleased . 2 flathead ( one is a 3 3/8 x 4” ) one stock flathead and a 350 sbc . Average price was $160 . 3 core . I’ve been thinking of buying a spare for a future project.
 
I went ahead and bought the Champion Aluminum 3 core radiator. it was on sale for $254.00 and $129.00 for shipping to Anchorage, Alaska. They had the one I wanted in stock, and shipped it out today by Fed Ex ground. don't know how long it will take to get here. Most stuff that is shipped ground fed-ex or ups comes up by air anyway. I expect it some time next week. I am willing to take a chance at this price. It looks good in the pictures. https://www.championradiators.com/3-row-Ford-Car-radiator-FH-1928-1929 . Iwill let you know how it looks when it gets here. unfortunately this is going in a project and I will be lucky if it is drivable by the end of next summer. I am now 72 and my brother and I don't work fast anymore. we also have to squeeze it in between other projects and customer cars.
 
tubman said:
According to the guy with the "undersized" Brassworks radiator on his blown flathead : "I had a cheap Ebay aluminum P.O.S. it there last summer and I had no problems".

Sounds like it might be an answer. As to repairs, a spare aluminum one is probably a lot cheaper than repairing or recoring a copper/brass unit.
Click to expand...

Yes, a cheap aluminum POS is bound to be problem free. Another tip is to order a larger radiator when you can or at least know how to measure.
 
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