Expert: Brad Sears - 8/9/2008

Question
QUESTION: Amazing!  My son and I are having the exact same problem as one you addressed on July 5, 2008, regarding clearance between the fan and the radiator.  Are these narrower radiators apparently not stock?  First, the parts place gave us a radiator for a 289; obviously no good.  Then, when they "corrected" things, still no luck.  We've noticed that the old radiator has only one flange on each side, while the new one has two flanges on each side.  Is cutting down the aluminum spacer really the only option?

ANSWER: It is not the only cure, but mine for the following reasons:
1. I am a thrifty New Englander (translation, cheap yankee)
2. I like to play with my lathe and bridgeport.
3. NAPA is 12 miles from the shop.
4. I don;t have a computer and internet in the shop.
For spacers try this web site. Or try NAPA.
http://www.jegs.com
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response.  Do you have any opinion/suggestion on the difference in the "flanging"?  Did Ford ever make a different (i.e., narrower) radiator for this model?

Thanks again.

ANSWER: I am not following you on the "flange" thing. Can you explain what you mean a little better?
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'll try; thanks for asking.  On the radiator we removed from the car, there was one (what I'm calling a) flange running from top to bottom.  This "flange" is used to bolt the radiator to the framed opening in front of the fan.  On both of the radiators we bought, there were two of these frame mounting "flanges" on each side, forming a sort of shallow channel the width of the radiator.  At first glance, it looks like this gives you the option to locate the radiator a little further forward or rearward, depending on how much room you have.  If we could mount the radiator with the "engine block side" flush with the opening, then everything would be okay.  But the "flange" on the "bumper side" of the radiator prevents the radiator from sitting square in the opening.  I've even tried removing the hood latch and grill and installing from the front, but that's also too narrow.  I guess what's really bugging the most about this is, as I wondered earlier, is the radiator that we removed not a stock radiator?

Thank you again.

Gregg

Answer
It kinda sounds like the radiators that you have been buying are more universal one sized fits all than the custom radiators for this car. I have always had the origional radiators recored rather than find a replacement just for this reason. Or you could check Hemmings Motor News, the old car hobbies classified bible, or check www.hemmings.com.
Brad