Okay, someone tell me how to figure what type radiator I would use in my '41 Poncho. I'm planning on puting a 425 cid Caddy engine in it (it's got 6000 miles on a rebuild and was dirt cheap). There is an NOS 8 cyl. radiator on auction for this car, but the '41 8 cyl. only has 249 cid. I've never thought to look at cars at the shows to see what they did, as I'm not really ready for the cooling bit yet... but thought now is a good time to start looking ahead.

Phil
--
One man's treasure is another man's trash.

TRY A DESERT COOLER, THEY ARE OUT OF CALIFORNIA, A REAL QUALITY RADIATOR. TELL EM WHAT YOU HAVE AND THEY MANUFACTURE ONE FOR YOU. EXCELLENT CRAFTSMANSHIP. THEY MADE ONE FOR MY 53 FORD, I HARDLY EVER NEED TO PUT THE ELECTRIC FAN ON. ONLY IN SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC. GIVE EM A BUZZ. ..ED
--
IF IT DONT GO........CHROME IT

I was looking at the PRC radiators at Goodguys in INDY. They specialize in custom radiators.I would contact Street Rod Stuff about PRC Radiators.

Check out the "articles" site (tabs above) here on SRS. I have an article which chronicals some tips on cooling your rod!

Steve Jack
--
Steve Jack
SOUTHEASTERN GOODGUYS REP

I run a PRC in my truck with good results.It never goes above 200 degrees even with the A/C on.My radiator was made for a 502ci mid engine front radiator and is one of a kind I'm sure.I'm sure they can make one for a 41 Pontiac.The PRC radiators are built heavier than a griffin....Ray
--
Grump

Hi Phil,
The guys are right about after market radiators. (Walker,US Radiator,Griffen,etc.) but they are expensive with a/c condencer around $500.+ If you can get a REAL good buy on that radiator thats for sale it will cool a caddy big block. But remember that NOS radiators may be "rotted" and will need a new core. You could have local radiator shop put the largest core that will work with your tanks and convert to hi pressure system for around $300. + about $40. for a Universal Condencer (at your local discount auto parts). I do this often, and never have problems. Make sure you set you caddy engine so that you can run a fan. The stock clutch fan (if equiped) will be to long.So use after market Flex fan or 1972 -'70 Caddy flex fan (stock on lots of caddys). Your caddy engine will run cooler longer then a small block chevy. Also your caddy's high Ft. Lbs. of Torque
will knock you back in your seat and KEEP you there in a light car. I hope this helps, I like to see something different under the hoods of Hot Rods once in a while. Regards,HonestFrank
--
"VEO DINDICE"

Thanks to everyone for the input. The radiator is at $129 right now, with a few days to go. I'll see if it goes up any.
Phil
--
One man's treasure is another man's trash.

If you're planning airconditoning and street cruising my choice regardless of manufacturer would be one of aluminum. They will give you more cooling capacity and will handle most any big ole motor. They are not cheap though!

Caddys run cooler because they didn't make as much hp (which translates to heat) per square area of cooling jacket. They hold more water and have more space between the jackets/cylinders. Regardless of this, I have seen them overheat in streetrods due to insufficient radiator capacity.

Just my 2 pesos!

Steve Jack
--
Steve Jack
SOUTHEASTERN GOODGUYS REP

Phil, click on the following to get to our PRC radiators.

http://streetrodstuff.com/Products/Cooling/Radiators/

Select "cross flow" or "vertical" flow then click "choose custom options". Complete the spec. sheet and it will give you a price for your custom radiator including shipping.

I just received two more compliments on our PRC radiators Friday. I'll post their comments in the customer feedback section tomorrow. We have never had a complaint on a PRC radiator or any PRC product since we started SRS.com a year and a half ago.
--
Dick Z