The Ford Barn

Sid · 07-04-2021, 10:27 PM

I think it may be time for another radiator in the 57 Bird. I noticed a puddle of water under the car last time it was driven. I chocked it up to a bad cap topped of rad. and installed a new 9 lbs cap. Well drove about 35 miles to a show July 4 th. and when it came home I went to disconnect the battery and see the top tank has a split in the upper tank along the lip facing the engine. Car was not hot and I was actually able to remove cap slowly. I see a tag soldered to the top tank where it has seen serviced in the past. I am thinking that it may just be better to get a new copper radiator instead of screwing with a radiator that may not be worth saving. I am thinking going with a 4 row. I see Bird land has them for $950.00. US radiator is advertised for about $650.00. Anyone know the best place with the best price? Anyone have experience with US radiator? Thanks.

dmsfrr · 07-04-2021, 10:45 PM

You should be able to find one at a better price than that.
https://www.classictbird.com/Radiato...uctinfo/8005J/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/291531596201

Sid · 07-04-2021, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmsfrr

You should be able to find one at about half that price. Or even less...
https://www.classictbird.com/Radiato...uctinfo/8005J/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/291531596201

Being a 57 T Bird it's important to keep things correct with the Brass/copper radiator though. I do understand the cooling benefits of the aluminum. That aluminum would stand out like seeing a hot chick in a mini dress and when she smiled at you she had no teeth. lol. This Bird hasn't had much problem with overheating as many do but it I do end up replacing the rad. it may be wise to upgrade to the 4 row for a few xtra bucks.

dmsfrr · 07-04-2021, 11:08 PM

Black spray paint on the exposed parts under the hood should hide most of the shiny stuff.

If you can find a good radiator shop near you take the old one in and ask if it's really that bad.

51504bat · 07-04-2021, 11:45 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Brassworks. Paso Robles, CA. Not cheap but quality never is.

https://thebrassworks.net/

07-04-2021, 10:27 PM	#1
Sid Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rathdrum Idaho Posts: 737	57 T Bird radiator I think it may be time for another radiator in the 57 Bird. I noticed a puddle of water under the car last time it was driven. I chocked it up to a bad cap topped of rad. and installed a new 9 lbs cap. Well drove about 35 miles to a show July 4 th. and when it came home I went to disconnect the battery and see the top tank has a split in the upper tank along the lip facing the engine. Car was not hot and I was actually able to remove cap slowly. I see a tag soldered to the top tank where it has seen serviced in the past. I am thinking that it may just be better to get a new copper radiator instead of screwing with a radiator that may not be worth saving. I am thinking going with a 4 row. I see Bird land has them for $950.00. US radiator is advertised for about $650.00. Anyone know the best place with the best price? Anyone have experience with US radiator? Thanks.

07-04-2021, 10:45 PM	#2
dmsfrr Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Abq, NM Posts: 3,607	Re: 57 T Bird radiator You should be able to find one at a better price than that. https://www.classictbird.com/Radiato...uctinfo/8005J/ https://www.ebay.com/itm/291531596201

07-04-2021, 11:08 PM	#4
dmsfrr Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Abq, NM Posts: 3,607	Re: 57 T Bird radiator Black spray paint on the exposed parts under the hood should hide most of the shiny stuff. If you can find a good radiator shop near you take the old one in and ask if it's really that bad.

07-04-2021, 11:45 PM	#5
51504bat Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: SoCal-Redlands Posts: 3,009	Re: 57 T Bird radiator Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Brassworks. Paso Robles, CA. Not cheap but quality never is. https://thebrassworks.net/ __________________ Making the simple complicated for over 30 years.