I actually took a good look at the radiator today, it was stored away. The inside is all rust orange and the slots to the core are pretty much closed up. It looks solid. Didn't see any real rust or rot. I called around to see about rodding and nobody wanted to work on it. Since there are quite a few fins bent flat, I'm thinking about an aluminum 3 core one. I believe the original one has 3 cores too. I found one that is for a mustang with the same dimensions, pretty much, as mine. Can also get it with shroud and electric fan for around $250. I found it earlier, don't have it handy to post on here at this time.
https://a.co/d/5m88cFu

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

"I wondered why a 54 doesn't have one and if losing antifreeze is something to worry about."

There wasn't a need then unlike now. A modern car can overheat and cook the engine if the cooling system is not contained and is allowed to ingest outside air.

The style you have will bleed itself to proper coolant level over a few cycles if the system is tight and correct pressure cap). The nice thing about a COOLANT RECOVERY SYSTEM is it will bleed out most trapped air in the system resulting in having no air pockets trapped.

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Paul has great advice.  My move is to acquire parts thinking I'll need them and then never use them.  Thing is, I never learn.  

I've had two different scenerios re coolant.  My 48 (modified 302) was losing coolant so I, used the one I pictured and solved the problem.  My 54 (modified 312) was not losing any but decided to add the recovery tank based on the 48 situation as a precaution.  Advice - get the car together and running to see how everything works  Then go to the recovery tank if there is a problem.





54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Mooneyes has some, too, but they call them "water recovery tanks."

No. My radiator isn't even installed yet, just wondering if a reservoir would be needed. My buddy has a 50 scruby with a newer engine in it and he changed his overglow out for a bigger one. I wondered why a 54 doesn't have one and if losing antifreeze is something to worry about.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

Are you overfilling the radiator?  The level should be just a little over the core.

Check with Speedeway, Jegs and Summit - they have coolant overflow tanks.  Usually not a big deal to install one..  I like this type, use it it two of my cars.  Other styles available - google coolant overflow tanks







54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Yeah Mike, I am a member. I'll check in with them.
So what Kultulz is saying, would I be able to install a overflow reservoir to keep from losing antifreeze?

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

Brad, I don’t know if you’re a member on the HAMB, but I know there’s a member or 2 over there that’s from or close to Sierra Vista. Be worth a post with that in the title for a radiator shop. If you’re not a member, I’ll ask for you.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

The top tank fill neck should have a tube running from it down the side of the radiator (pre-coolant recovery w/ outside container). When coolant expands (overfilled and hot), the cap releases the pressure and the coolant is released through that tube. When the internal pressure subsides to cap rated pressure the cap will close gain.

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