[jfarneti123]

I have a '29 Model A that my family and I are trying to update by adding a small V-8 and other modern conveniences while leaving the exterior of the car in as original appearance as possible. One question I have is about the radiator. I want to keep the original radiator but I'm sure it won't be able to withstand the pressure of the V-8 (289 CID) vs the original 4 cylinder engine. Short of buying a special radiator made for hot rods, what can I have done? Can it be recored to accept the 289? Thanks for any enlightenment out there....

[windsor8]

In my opinion you would be much better off to go ahead and get a new radiator that is built to cool your V-8 engine such as a Waker Radiator. Nothing worse than having to worry about an overheating problem .

[Arrowhead]

I know a popular radiator for T buckets is the early Mustang. It fits the model T shell good, but I'm not sure about the model A shell, I'm thinking it's taller. I got mine for around 150 bucks, the connections were in the right spot and I was able to use stock hoses for a Mustang, it is a 3 core and it cooled my 302 just fine.

[jfarneti123]

Thanks Arrowhead,

Any idea what the measurements of the mustang radiator are?

John

[1939P7]

Why not get one custom made for your application for the cost it's worth it
and you won't run into overheating problems. I paid $526 for the one I had
made for the 39P7 4 row staggered with trans cooler and inlet and out let
and filler neck as to my design and needs. There was not problems whatsoever
mounting it, it fit just like the original one . I know they have the A's in stock
but the one for the Plymouth was special order . (just my 2cents)

[Arrowhead]

jfarneti123,

Did you get my PM?

[jfarneti123]

Hi Arrowhead,

I'm not sure I know what you mean by "PM" but if it means previous mail, I think so. Is it about the mustang radiator to use in the Model A? I checked some measurments of the earlier mustang radiators and they don't appear that they would fit the "A" radiator shell very easily. I was thinkingof taking the old "A" radiator to a local shop to see if they can modify it to work with the 289 engine, but I think it might cost as much as buying an already built one specifically made for a hot rod application. Your thoughts?

John

[Arrowhead]

PM stands for "Private Message" I sent you a link to the place where I got my radiator becausre they had dimensions. Sounds like you got it. I wasn't too confident it would work, but it was worth a try. It's worth taking to a shop and seeing what they can do I'm sure.

[fred56]

If you do not run hood sides(good air flow) and do not put in air conditioning you will have no problem. I have a 28 coupe with a mild 283 SBC/4 speed and I had the original radiator boiled out, inlet and outlet moved and pressure tested to 16 lbs. This was done 2 years ago and so far in the summer months the motor hasn't gotten hotter than 190 degrees and that was when I was climbing a hill and the rest of the time it stays at 180 degrees and this is with a mechanical fan.
I hope this is of some help to you.
Have fun - Jerry

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by jfarneti123

I have a '29 Model A that my family and I are trying to update by adding a small V-8 and other modern conveniences while leaving the exterior of the car in as original appearance as possible. Thanks for any enlightenment out there....

You live in warm, humid Florida........
You have a radiator engineered for 40 Horsepower......
It is 70 plus years old......

Now you have a 200 plus V8 Horsepower engine ( 5 times the Model A )

I suggest going ahead and buying a new radiator engineered for a new V8 in a Model A. I have always had good sucess with Walker Radiators out of Memphis Tennessee. I have one in my 32 Roadster ( since 1988 ) and just bought a new one for my under construction 1932 3W Ford coupe.

http://www.walkerradiatorworks.com/

They have a 85% share of the street rod aftermarket radiator business....and have been in the radiator business since 1932.......

Nothing worse than a overheating car when out for a little pleasure cruise.....