I think you & I have discussed the Casco kit before. I installed it on my 55 while it was still in my dad's possession. I wasn't happy with it & don't intend to use it, if I ever put my car back on the road. I have purchased US Radiator's 4-row, high-efficiency copper & brass radiator, Casco pump, Paragon WP spacer, 6-blade fan, small pulley, and 170-degree thermostat. I've also removed all of the rust & casting sand from the bare block. I don't intend to install a/c. If the weather is too hot for me, it will be too hot for the car. 

No, I did not install one in my TBird.  I haven't had a cooling problem nor a water level problem.  Stock brass radiator.  If you want to install one in n early Bird, CASCO has a kit for it.  Personally, I don't like the looks of it (white plastic), but if you paint it black it blends in better.  I couple of my friends did that,  




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

I've checked for leaks this way for a quick check.   I cut a bicycle tube in half clamp the ends to the top and bottom hose outlet on the radiator (with the cap on).   Use a small hand pump and put a couple of pounds of air (you don't need much).   Submerge the radiator in water and check for leaks.

I am using the same one Paul listed.  It works very well keeps radiator full no more puddles in the garage when topping off

I have a similar problem.  I want to use the original radiator because it is a continuous core.  I am not sure anyone makes that radiator style now and I would like to keep it original.  I am going to do the dame thing, and take it to a radiator shop for careful refurbishment.  Good luck with your project. 

I used American Radiator several years ago for my 57 Premiere.  No one local wanted to touch it but these guys said no problem.  Very happy with the results.  They're in Pasco but at the time they had weekly delivery to 

You need (IMO) to consider any time and materials modifications to fit that radiator against your core support. It isn't just going to bolt in.

Did you talk with anyone here - https://www.thebrassworks.net/pages/restorations-and-recores-whats-the-difference

If the car isn't a dedicated resto and you want ALUM, shroud and fan, you need to talk with a vendor that can custom make what you want ... (IMO).

Such as - https://www.championradiators.com/

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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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