Do modern style thermostats work in 59 stylle heads?

[bullrunmotor]

I've gotten an old 59a motor back to life in a 35 car. Previous owner used no thermostats. Lots of condensation and sludge evident in valve galley. When running it barely ran 100 degrees according to laser temp gun. I put some 160 degree thermostats from Dennis Carpenter in the center water outlets along with new improved style water pumps. With the 160 degree thermostats I register just barely 120 degrees. Are the old bellows style thermostats that mount up in hoses near the top radiator outlets more efficient? Thanks for any suggestions

[Automotive Stud]

Did you do anything to keep the thermostats from moving? If the thermostat rotated in the hose it won't work properly.

[flatford8]

You have to do something to keep the thermostat in place. A piece of PVC inside the hose with a second clamp that pushes down on the thermostat. Or small pieces of wire from the thermostat down between the hose and the neck on the head. While you’re checking to see if your thermostat moved, why not put in a set of 180’s. A laser gun can be real touchy where it’s aimed. But I agree with you, you really want your motor at a higher temperature. …….Mark

[Lawrie]

Tig weld modern t/stats to a short length of SS tube and push them in the hoses.
Lawrie

[Bored&Stroked]

I just use a small piece of stainless tubing and a second hose clamp. The idea for a 1" long chunk of PVC the same diameter as the water neck is a great idea . . . might cost you a couple bucks.

Also, check and see if the T-Stats have a little 'bypass hole' drilled in them towards the outside of the flange? I like to put about a 1/16" hole in the thermostat to let a little water circulate and to let air out of the heads (when filling it up).

[busmania]

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I have also read about people drilling two small holes in each neck on the heads and then safety wiring the thermostat in place (drill holes in thermostat too). Is this a bad idea? Seems simple to me.

[Ken/Alabama]

Originally Posted by busmania

I have also read about people drilling two small holes in each neck on the heads and then safety wiring the thermostat in place (drill holes in thermostat too). Is this a bad idea? Seems simple to me.

I’ve done this for years ! Keeps the thermostat in place.

[GB SISSON]

I have been using subaru thermostats for years. I learned about them here on the 'barn and easy to pick up at my napa store. I also like the pvc sleeve idea. Hopefully someone will chime in with the subaru number.

[flathead48]

I solder 2 tabs of copper on each one, bend it down over head neck slip the hose on & tighten the clamp over neck & tabs. They never move

[flatford8]

According to some old posts......
170*....#14157
180*....#45848
............Mark

[Mart]

I use commonly available thermostats for the old classic Mini. I file or grind the outer diameter down to suit. I have used stainless rings to retain them, but have also tack welded them to an intermediate piece of tubing used in the top hose.

[hombres ruin]

Noble speed on the east coast make inline thermostats for flatheads that fit and stay in place . This guy is doing this all in the states and from
His small factory . The quality is outstanding

[flatford8]

Post #10 add: it also stated in the thread I got the part #’s from that these are smaller diameter for the “59” style heads. 8BA will be different. The post above seems to have the answer but quality isn’t cheap.....Mark

[deuce_roadster]

Using a template, I drill and tap 4-40 holes in the neck of the head and drill holes in the stat to match and use stainless steel screws. It is a little trickier with stock cast iron heads but is easy on aluminum aftermarket heads for a 59 series engine. There are many ways to accomplish this, including stats that go up at the radiator inlet so they can't move.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by hombres ruin

Noble speed on the east coast make inline thermostats for flatheads that fit and stay in place . This guy is doing this all in the states and from
His small factory . The quality is outstanding

I was coming here to post this. Noble Speed is really making some great stuff. Please support the little guys keeping our hobby moving forward.

https://www.noblespeedequipment.com/

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by hombres ruin

Noble speed on the east coast make inline thermostats for flatheads that fit and stay in place . This guy is doing this all in the states and from
His small factory . The quality is outstanding

[JayChicago]

All these suggested fixes for the common problem of thermostat slippage. But I have to ask:
Why does this problem exist? Was this a problem when the cars were new? Is it because aftermarket hoses are missing a formed bell at the end to keep the stat in place?

[Zax40]

Does anyone know if the Noble ones work with the stock style hoses? The listing on their page seems to only mention the dress up hoses.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by JayChicago

All these suggested fixes for the common problem of thermostat slippage. But I have to ask:
Why does this problem exist? Was this a problem when the cars were new? Is it because aftermarket hoses are missing a formed bell at the end to keep the stat in place?

I believe 59AB style motors had bellows style T stats that are long and sat inside the upper part of the hose. That's what I have in mine now and they are a tight fit and, by design, can't wiggle.

Many folks today adapt a "modern", high flow T stat for reliability and cost.

[ford38v8]

Has anyone done any thermostat opening time comparison testing between stat at head outlet as opposed to stat at radiator inlet? I would think that with all the water in the hose, it would take considerably longer for the temp to rise enough to open the stat, unless a fairly large bleed-off hole was drilled in the stat, which goes against the reason for the stat in the first place. Original stats hung down into the head outlet, so it wasn't an issue back in the day.