51 Radiator Replacement Final Fit

rambos_ride

Just about got it finished up today.

I need to buy/fit a new lower radiator hose and last I need to pull and check the thermostat....
Q. if its bad (thermostat)..where can I get a new one?

LOL - Yesterday I went to Harbor Frieght and picked up a digital thermometer, and a hydraulic hole punch set (like the one I talked Bent Metal into buying a couple years ago..thinking I'd add some stylish holes in the side filler panels..

Well...If you noticed in the original pics the previous owner had used part of a NO Parking sign as the filler

As long as I own this Hudson its going to be a Rat-Rod and there was just something about the NO Parking sign that screams "Rat-Rod and I used what I had available to fix it!"

So I split it, rounded the corners to match and turned the reflective side out - so now when someone comes at me with their headlights on they'll see 2 - 2-1/5 strips of the reflective sign thru the grill!

Came out great! Notice my Vintage 7lb radiator Cap - Got it on Ebay. wanted something that looked cool but still had some character.

RL Chilton

Looks great, Dan. Way better than before. Hopefully, it will cool better, as well.

Don't forget, you need a lower hose with a spring inside of it, or the 3-pc. unit that is listed in the WTN. If you need that info, let me know. Otherwise, your lower hose will collapse and limit the flow of coolant, which would be bad.

Club Coupe

I'm using 160 degree from CarQuest #30236. Stant #13076 is also written down in my parts book.

SuperDave

Dan,
Block off the bypass and install a later model thermostat like Walt suggests.. just wondering.. Why are you going to cut holes in the side panels? Won't that redirect air past the radiator core? Or did I misunderstand ?

lostmind

Dave is correct. You also need a cover below and in front of the radiator.
It would help to have one at the top also , between the radiator grill panel.
More air = better cooling.

rambos_ride

Dan,
Block off the bypass and install a later model thermostat like Walt suggests.. just wondering.. Why are you going to cut holes in the side panels? Won't that redirect air past the radiator core? Or did I misunderstand ?

Grin - no, I was running thru ideas in my head on how to srengthen/customize a flat sheet of sheet metal other than bead rolling..which I can do.

I wanted an digital thermometer so it was also justification (to myself) to buy a new tool

As it turned out the new radiator was wide enough the filler pieces just didnt have enough to do anything with..and the parking sign was nice thick aluminum so was solid enough as is.