32 radiator difference

[1932tub]

A few weeks ago I posted the question about the difference between a
32 4 cyl passenger car radiator and a commercial one.
First radiator is the passenger car one which I have just found. It is different to the commercial one, you can see it has a "peak " in the top tank. I will be using this one on my phaeton.





Next radiator is the commercial one which I have for my pickup project
( anyone have a cab back and a roof ? )
While it fitted into the passenger car shell the filler neck did not align with the hole in the passenger grill. Note the flat tank compared to the passenger car top tank.

[DICK SPADARO]

It didn't fit because the bottom honey comb design radiator is Model A not 32

[1932tub]

Originally Posted by DICK SPADARO

It didn't fit because the bottom honey comb design radiator is Model A not 32

Sorry you are wrong. The radiator is out of a 32 commercial I own and fits the
commercial shell perfectly. I would think that the honey comb radiator has been recored ( I do radiators as part of my business )
If you look carefully you can see the top mount on the side band which is 32 style and certainly not model A.
Thanks for your imput

[DICK SPADARO]

Me still thinks its a Model A. All 32's can swap radiator shells commercial/ passenger car.

Measure from the center line of the threaded holes for the front hood hinge bracket to the center line of the radiator cap neck should be around 2 3/4". If its a model A radiator it wont have the legs for the front hood hinge or if you measure from the center line of the upper radiator shell mount hole on the side horizontally to the center line of the Model A rad cap neck it measures about 2". implying that if you try to install a 32 grille shell on a model A the radiator, the neck opening on the 32 shell will be offset to the front around 3/4" and will not fit.

Since your residence is in NZ this is an export car so there may be some differences lets see the top shot of the tank and one of your commercial grille shell.

[hotrodfreak]

Very interesting but my experience concurs with Dick.
Anxious to see top view.

[1932tub]

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I have 2 1930 Model A's myself so know what a model A radiator looks like.
When Ford commercials came here they were mainly from Canada and came either CKD, ie completely knocked down and were assembled here at the Ford plant. Some commercials came as a cab and chassis, ie the body stopped at
the scuttle and the rest was then made either in the factory or by local body
builders. It was all to do with having a certain percentage of local content in the vehicle.
The grille, front guards and the hood of course are stock Ford. I don't think old Henry would make a special ford grille to send to the colonies!
I will take a couple of shots tomorrow and put them up.
Cheers

[X38]

Originally Posted by 1932tub

I don't think old Henry would make a special ford grille to send to the colonies!

Not arguing, but with so many variations through each model run (the 3 different 32 grilles for just one recent example), nothing would surprise me!

[jimTN]

To my knowledge, Ford never made a honeycomb rad. Lots of aftermarket versions from T on were made.

[itslow]

Are you certain your commercial grille shell is indeed a '32 part and not one of the '33 or '34 shells that are commonly mistaken to be '32?

[Tudortomnz]

I suggest you contact someone here in NZ who knows their early Fords.
Ian Staples in Hawera has the blue '32 3W Coupe & knows his stuff; [email protected]