I believe the radiator in the bird is physically smaller than the one in the same year sedan. That alone would change the amount of heat rejection. The birds also suffer from the one inch spacer under the water pump that leaves the pump impellor spinning in an open cavity.

Changing the pressure cap from 6-7 pounds  - going up to the 13 pounds on the bird probably raised the "boil over" point of the bird by 12°-14° (near 240°F).

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Yes, brass/copper - original radiator.  Had not hear that 'Birds used higher pressure caps but we learn something every day or should.

You gotta have the right tools and know how to use 'em.

TC - Austin, Texas

Tom,



Bras/copper radiators? T-Birds came with the higher pressure cap. Not sure why they needed more boil-over protection than pass. cars?

If aluminum IS more fragile, due to increased cooling over orig. 3-core, should then likely get away with running a 7# cap. and reduce stress.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

I popped a radiator twice before learning that the radiator cap should be 7# instead of 13#.

You gotta have the right tools and know how to use 'em.

TC - Austin, Texas

Some today are made out of plastic so I would assume aluminum is stronger than plastic and there are a ton of them nowadays. The only issue I had was that there were no provisions to hold the overflow tube. I got 4 pop top rings from beer cans and jb welded the down the side and ran the hose down through them

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL

e.j.,



That's a good price. The T-Bird suppliers all ask $500. I'm considering one myself, as (aside from the weight saving) I like the larger tubes (less likely to clog) & the increased airflow compared to brass/copper 4 core models. My only concern is whether they might be more fragile, as the only major failure I ever experienced was with alum.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

I got a brand new aluminum radiator made for my '56 from C, G&J Inc (Brice Thomas Radiator), 2776 Wills Creek Rd. Gadsden AL. 35904. Phone 256-546-4613. Eric Johns. Took my radiator up there for pattern (they should have kept the specs). Total radiator $320.00, shipping included. (Price of radiator was $275).


Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL

Thanks again for the radiator! She works like a charm! Cheers Pete!

Best Regards,

Kev



Loving my Y!

Kevin Walshe

Costa Mesa, California

i purchased a 4 row core radiator off Ebay for my '57, it is a part of US Radiator. The cost was a little over $300 which included shipping. The radiator shop wanted $400 to recore my old 3 row core. They also carry 3 row core radiators for under $300. Prompt service and a bolt in fit.



Jeff

Jeff Petersen

These guys can fix you up, but it'll cost you some.

 http://classicfordradiator.com/copperradiatorsforfords.aspx

I bought a new rad for my wifes 59 Edsel from them. Ordered it on a Monday & had it setting in the garage that Wednesday evening for about $425.00 a year ago. All copper & a direct bolt-in.

Butch "In a world filled with stress it is better to give than to receive"