The Ford Barn

blk59ab · 11-01-2011, 09:52 PM

Hi, would really appreciate info on Model A radiators and cannot find much, if at all on the internet. Do the shells from all years fit on all radiators? I am building a '31 roadster with a "diamond" block and I think I have a '29 radiator but want to use the later shell. Any info is greatly appreciated, many thanks in advance, Clyde

Ron in Quincy · 11-01-2011, 10:43 PM

Clyde,

28-29 Radiators and Shells are shorter than 30-31 Radiators and shells.

If you have a 29 Radiator and are building a 31 you will have to get the proper Radiator.

Sorry do not have the actual measurement difference; maybe someone else out there might have this info.

Ron

sturgis 39 · 11-01-2011, 11:19 PM

The 28-29 radiators are wider and shorter than the 30-31 radiators.

blk59ab · 11-01-2011, 11:26 PM

Thanks Ron, that helps me decide on which frame to use as to the front crossmember pad heights I noticed. I have a very nice polished 1930 shell of which I prefer over the 1931 style...sorry for the deviation from original, but since my PU body is a model T until I someday redo a Model A box, and being fenderless for this next year, it will still be pretty original. Close enough for horseshoes and hand grenades and it will be running in another month with what I have except for the radiator.

700rpm · 11-01-2011, 11:33 PM

Clyde,
I invite you to attend the next meeting of The Beaver Chapter of MAFCA, to be held on Nov. 16, 7:00, at the Clackamas Community Center. Please contact me by email or personal message for more details. You will get the answers to all your questions from local guys who will be more than happy to help you.

Ray

blk59ab · 11-01-2011, 11:36 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

just wanted to add to Ron's: IF IT CAN NOT BE FIXED WITH BLASTING WIRE, JB WELD OR DUCT TAPE ---IT CAN NOT BE FIXED.........

Just had to try out the chassis a few weeks ago, so clamped on an Econoline bucket seat and headed up the highway on our last hot day....made it 2 miles and gas started running out the carb...blocking modern traffic...looked at it a few minutes...found a hefty rock and slammed the carburetor....it unstuck the needle valve and purred all the way home...please add rocks to the emergency list...gotta get that body finished. Cheers, Clyde

PeteCruz2715 · 07-23-2024, 06:02 PM

I could be very wrong but I always thought the '28-'29's had a screw on cap and the '30/'31's had a 1/4 turn cap.

Manuel · 07-25-2024, 11:47 PM

I have seen a 'Tropical' radiator mentioned in the Parts Books.

11-01-2011, 09:52 PM	#1
blk59ab Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Portland, Or. Posts: 12	Radiator differences 28/29, 30/31 Hi, would really appreciate info on Model A radiators and cannot find much, if at all on the internet. Do the shells from all years fit on all radiators? I am building a '31 roadster with a "diamond" block and I think I have a '29 radiator but want to use the later shell. Any info is greatly appreciated, many thanks in advance, Clyde

11-01-2011, 10:43 PM	#2
Ron in Quincy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Quincy, CA. Posts: 1,708	Re: Radiator differences 28/29, 30/31 Clyde, 28-29 Radiators and Shells are shorter than 30-31 Radiators and shells. If you have a 29 Radiator and are building a 31 you will have to get the proper Radiator. Sorry do not have the actual measurement difference; maybe someone else out there might have this info. Ron

11-01-2011, 11:19 PM	#3
sturgis 39 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lead. South Dakota Posts: 963	Re: Radiator differences 28/29, 30/31 The 28-29 radiators are wider and shorter than the 30-31 radiators. __________________ IF IT CAN NOT BE FIXED WITH BLASTING WIRE, JB WELD OR DUCT TAPE ---IT CAN NOT BE FIXED Do not get me started on the stupidity of ethanol. I think one of the monitors is from Iowa and he will delete the thread.

11-01-2011, 11:26 PM	#4
blk59ab Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Portland, Or. Posts: 12	Re: Radiator differences 28/29, 30/31 Thanks Ron, that helps me decide on which frame to use as to the front crossmember pad heights I noticed. I have a very nice polished 1930 shell of which I prefer over the 1931 style...sorry for the deviation from original, but since my PU body is a model T until I someday redo a Model A box, and being fenderless for this next year, it will still be pretty original. Close enough for horseshoes and hand grenades and it will be running in another month with what I have except for the radiator.

11-01-2011, 11:33 PM	#5
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 6,039	Re: Radiator differences 28/29, 30/31 Clyde, I invite you to attend the next meeting of The Beaver Chapter of MAFCA, to be held on Nov. 16, 7:00, at the Clackamas Community Center. Please contact me by email or personal message for more details. You will get the answers to all your questions from local guys who will be more than happy to help you. Ray

11-01-2011, 11:36 PM	#6
blk59ab Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Portland, Or. Posts: 12	Re: Radiator differences 28/29, 30/31 Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) just wanted to add to Ron's: IF IT CAN NOT BE FIXED WITH BLASTING WIRE, JB WELD OR DUCT TAPE ---IT CAN NOT BE FIXED......... Just had to try out the chassis a few weeks ago, so clamped on an Econoline bucket seat and headed up the highway on our last hot day....made it 2 miles and gas started running out the carb...blocking modern traffic...looked at it a few minutes...found a hefty rock and slammed the carburetor....it unstuck the needle valve and purred all the way home...please add rocks to the emergency list...gotta get that body finished. Cheers, Clyde

07-23-2024, 06:02 PM	#7
PeteCruz2715 Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 46	Re: Radiator differences 28/29, 30/31 I could be very wrong but I always thought the '28-'29's had a screw on cap and the '30/'31's had a 1/4 turn cap. __________________ Pete - Orange County Model A Ford Club "If I asked people what they wanted they would have said faster horses." -Henry Ford

07-25-2024, 11:47 PM	#8
Manuel Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ACT Australia Posts: 535	Re: Radiator differences 28/29, 30/31 I have seen a 'Tropical' radiator mentioned in the Parts Books.