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My dad is in the middle of a 1930 Model A pick-up build with a Chevy 350 and he can't seem to find a radiator that will exactly fit in the original radiator shell. Anybody have ideas or resources where he can get something for not too many dollars? Thanks!
A good radiator is imperative and a good radiator is not cheap. It is something you have to bite the bullet on. I'd go with a Walker with an open grill shell. It was my choice for my '29 roadster and it always cooled, even on 100 degree days in traffic.
While I agree with Lynn and used a copper/brass Walker on my last project '27 with a '28 shell, I have been told that a '65/'66 Mustang radiator will fit. I'm thinkin' that the entry and exit are reversed on a Ford as compared to a Chevy motor, so some hot rod plumbing may be necessary.
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Your dad has an expensive hobby. If he was building a rat rod, he could find a radiator for about $45 in any junk yard. To cool a (presumably) high compression 350, AND keep the original shell, it's gonna cost.
A Mustang radiator will fit into a '28-29 shell, but it won't look right. But if you are building a rat rod, looking right is not a problem.
Speaking from a lot of frustration trying to cool a SBC 350 with a brand new Walker '29 radiator, the soution was reached with dual electric fans side by side. One fan comes on with the ignition key while the other comes on in addition when a thermostat senses a high temperature. Several shrouds for 15", 16" and 17" inch mechanical fans were tried without success.. Initial success in cooling in February weather failed later the following July before the dual fan setup was installed. Even a brand new Walker radiator is marginal but i have heard of special (even more expensive) radiators that have a thicker core. The whole problem is aggravated if the hood sides are left on so some added cooling can be obtained by removing the hood sides.
Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder