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mjs
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: 11 hours ago
Posts: 84,
Visits: 123.8K
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I used American Radiator several years ago for my 57 Premiere. No one local wanted to touch it but these guys said no problem. Very happy with the results. They're in Pasco but at the time they had weekly delivery to

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KULTULZ
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: 8 hours ago
Posts: 1.8K,
Visits: 306.3K
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You need (IMO) to consider any time and materials modifications to fit that radiator against your core support. It isn't just going to bolt in. Did you talk with anyone here - https://www.thebrassworks.net/pages/restorations-and-recores-whats-the-differenceIf the car isn't a dedicated resto and you want ALUM, shroud and fan, you need to talk with a vendor that can custom make what you want ... (IMO). Such as - https://www.championradiators.com/
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B-rad
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: Last Month
Posts: 348,
Visits: 1.5K
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I actually took a good look at the radiator today, it was stored away. The inside is all rust orange and the slots to the core are pretty much closed up. It looks solid. Didn't see any real rust or rot. I called around to see about rodding and nobody wanted to work on it. Since there are quite a few fins bent flat, I'm thinking about an aluminum 3 core one. I believe the original one has 3 cores too. I found one that is for a mustang with the same dimensions, pretty much, as mine. Can also get it with shroud and electric fan for around $250. I found it earlier, don't have it handy to post on here at this time. https://a.co/d/5m88cFu
Brad Sierra Vista Arizona 1954 Lincoln Capri
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KULTULZ
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: 8 hours ago
Posts: 1.8K,
Visits: 306.3K
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"I wondered why a 54 doesn't have one and if losing antifreeze is something to worry about." There wasn't a need then unlike now. A modern car can overheat and cook the engine if the cooling system is not contained and is allowed to ingest outside air. The style you have will bleed itself to proper coolant level over a few cycles if the system is tight and correct pressure cap). The nice thing about a COOLANT RECOVERY SYSTEM is it will bleed out most trapped air in the system resulting in having no air pockets trapped.
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Deyomatic
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: Yesterday
Posts: 293,
Visits: 2.4K
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Paul has great advice. My move is to acquire parts thinking I'll need them and then never use them. Thing is, I never learn.
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paul2748
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: Yesterday
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Visits: 497.7K
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I've had two different scenerios re coolant. My 48 (modified 302) was losing coolant so I, used the one I pictured and solved the problem. My 54 (modified 312) was not losing any but decided to add the recovery tank based on the 48 situation as a precaution. Advice - get the car together and running to see how everything works Then go to the recovery tank if there is a problem. B-rad (10/4/2025)
No. My radiator isn't even installed yet, just wondering if a reservoir would be needed. My buddy has a 50 scruby with a newer engine in it and he changed his overglow out for a bigger one. I wondered why a 54 doesn't have one and if losing antifreeze is something to worry about.
54 Victoria 312; 48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312 Forever Ford Midland Park, NJ
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Deyomatic
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: Yesterday
Posts: 293,
Visits: 2.4K
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Mooneyes has some, too, but they call them "water recovery tanks."
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B-rad
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: Last Month
Posts: 348,
Visits: 1.5K
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No. My radiator isn't even installed yet, just wondering if a reservoir would be needed. My buddy has a 50 scruby with a newer engine in it and he changed his overglow out for a bigger one. I wondered why a 54 doesn't have one and if losing antifreeze is something to worry about.
Brad Sierra Vista Arizona 1954 Lincoln Capri
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paul2748
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: Yesterday
Posts: 3.6K,
Visits: 497.7K
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Are you overfilling the radiator? The level should be just a little over the core. Check with Speedeway, Jegs and Summit - they have coolant overflow tanks. Usually not a big deal to install one.. I like this type, use it it two of my cars. Other styles available - google coolant overflow tanks  B-rad (10/3/2025)
Yeah Mike, I am a member. I'll check in with them. So what Kultulz is saying, would I be able to install a overflow reservoir to keep from losing antifreeze?
54 Victoria 312; 48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312 Forever Ford Midland Park, NJ
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B-rad
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: Last Month
Posts: 348,
Visits: 1.5K
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Yeah Mike, I am a member. I'll check in with them. So what Kultulz is saying, would I be able to install a overflow reservoir to keep from losing antifreeze?
Brad Sierra Vista Arizona 1954 Lincoln Capri
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