newbee - 36 Pickup radiator mod question

[ford38v8]

David, Coming in here late, but have read all the previous advice and have a bit of my own. I would avoid pulling the radiator unless really needed, as the whole front assembly is based on the radiator, therefore you'll have a fun time getting it all lined up again.

If you'd like a little easier method of remove/replace the bottom radiator hoses or to simply flush properly, use a floor eack with a wood block under the front of the engine pan, and release the front motor mounts. With clamps off the hoses, a gentle lift will offset enough to get them off and on again easily. Watch for clearance at the firewall to engine, don't lift too high.

If you do need to remove the radiator, yes, a drain cock can easily be installed on the bottom of the tank, if you first identify an accessible location once installed again. One final note on pressurizing your radiator: The early radiators were not engineered to withstand pressure at the seams, so limit the pressure to 4 lbs max. Also, the wide flat expanse of the top panel of the top tank on the '36 will buckle and oil-can under pressure, that being another limitation on pressure. If the tank is removed for work, an inner brace for that top tank may be fabricated and soldered internally to prevent the oil-can effect.

Very unusual truck, wish it was mine!