The radiator in question is out of the car, been dry probably 50 years. Is there a way to clean it out and test it? Was thinking anout filling it up with clr and water and swish it around for a while and then drain it. But as far as testing it for leaks I have no clue how.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

Is there a car radiator shop  near you.  They can clean it and pressure test it.   Or Check you tube for something on pressure testing a radiator. 

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Brad, given your location and the fact you’ve got factory air if at all possible I’d run that past a radiators shop for a full test and maybe a rodding out. You’re going to need all cooling you can get. Those early Lincoln’s were good that way new.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I agree with Paul & Miker; the same applies to the heater core. My original heater core looked great, but I submerged it in a bucket of water, put my thumb over one tube while blowing into the other to check for bubbles. I wasn't confident with the results, so I took it to a local radiator shop to be tested; it leaked; the shop owner (Randy) showed me damage that I had overlooked.  I asked about re-coring it, but Randy said that I could probably buy a new one for less than the cost of re-coring it. He was right. Better still, he didn't charge for the test ($20) because he couldn't make change. I will return to the shop to have mounting brackets soldered to my new radiator (I like the way that they do business). 

Not finding a radiator shop near me. If I decide to get a new one, does anyone know where to look? I did google search for one but didnt find any. Doesnt need to be oem,

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

Someone on Facebook suggested Johnson's Radiator in Alabama. 

I would think you would want to save the radiator. 

See if this helps finding a competent shop in your area - https://www.bbb.org/us/az/cochise/category/radiator-repair

If you go CAPA or a low quality off-shore radiator (if available), it may not work out well. A custom ALUM RAD is going to be $$$.

At the worst, they should be able to re-core keeping the original tanks and bracing. No having to fit/modify to the core support.

POSSIBLY - https://www.thebrassworks.net/products/lincoln-radiators

____________________________

I would like to keep the original radiator if its salvagable. I was just curious what was available in the event that it was shot. Still looking for a shop. No radiator only shop around here so I guess I'll have to find a garage that does radiators too or travel an hour or so to tucson

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

If you take your radiator to a garage, not a radiator shop, they'll send it out to a radiator shop. You'll probably end up paying more than if you were to take it to a radiator shop yourself. 

I'll bet. Question...
Tnis radiator doesn't have an overflow container. What happens when the engine shuts off and antifreeze is hot?

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri