| Shane R. | -- 02-19-2025 @ 9:46 AM |
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Hello all, I recently began working on a 36 Sedan Conv. It was originally my Grandfathers (S.L. Ross) car restored in the early 80's. He showed it extensively and was awarded a Dearborn award, among others. He conveyed to me that he regretted showing it so much and not driving it. I am going to make it a driver car. I don't want to destroy that quality, but do want it reliable and fun to drive. Currently the radiator is a mess, weeping everywhere. I wondered if there was any advice about a replacement/more effective radiator. I understand that the 21 stud flatheads can run warm. My intent is to store the original radiator in the event that I want the car back to stock. Are there any modifications that the group would recommend to make it a great driver? Any carb, gearing, brake modification, 12v conversion advice would be appreciated? Thanks, Shane
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| pauls39coupe | -- 02-19-2025 @ 10:49 AM |
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Spend your cash on a new radiator. They are pricey but worth it in the long run. I would leave the rest alone. 6V positive ground systems work fine if the wiring is up to snuff. Make sure you have an air filter to keep debris out of the engine. Check the tires to be sure they are in good shape and up to date. Same with the brakes. You will be dealing with 1930's technology. Expect the cruise speed to be lower than your modern car. The brakes will take more effort to stop and the steering will require more effort than your modern car. Changing to 12v, modern brakes etc. will be far more trouble than it is worth. Drive it. You will turn a lot of heads with a car that good looking.
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| 51504bat | -- 02-19-2025 @ 12:06 PM |
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Try Brassworks in Paso Robles, CA Pricey but high quality and it will fit. Lee worked with me on the 4 row radiator for the 8ba in my '39 p/u to make sure it would fit. It will take awhile but it will be worth the wait. IMO https://www.thebrassworks.net/ Another option is Johnson Radiator. They took over Walker Radiator and build quality brass/copper radiators as well. https://johnsonsradiatorworks.com/ ______________ No signature
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| jerry_356 | -- 02-19-2025 @ 3:51 PM |
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Due to the generator mounting bracket on my '33 failing and sending the generator through the radiator I had to recore it. Tough Guys in the South Bend area did an excellent job. As I recall the price was less than $900 using the old unit. They might be able to repair what you have without having to recore it Their # is (574) 233-6488.
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| v8er | -- 02-19-2025 @ 4:18 PM |
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Welcome Shane. If you post your location, potentially some local V8 Club members can answer your questions about operation and authenticity.
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| Shane R. | -- 02-19-2025 @ 7:22 PM |
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I should have thought to include a location. I am about 2 hrs South of Washington DC, Saint Mary’s county Maryland. I looked in the roster and didn’t find anybody down my way, but there are a bunch in Virginia. This message was edited by Shane R. on 2-20-25 @ 4:38 AM
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| trjford8 | -- 02-20-2025 @ 7:58 AM |
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Check the left menu of this site and the Regional Club Directory and you will see the two clubs in Virgina. Both list phone numbers. Give them a call and they may be able to help you. Some probably remember your car and may have known your grandpa.
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| Shane R. | -- 02-21-2025 @ 5:57 AM |
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Thank you all for the welcome and the advice, I am looking into new reproduction radiators, and will look over tires and and safety gear before getting on the road. I have made contact with the NVRG, which was my Grandfathers club in Virginia. I hope to meet some of the folks there soon. My hope is to have the car ready to get to a local show on May 4. This message was edited by Shane R. on 2-21-25 @ 6:03 AM
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| 40 Coupe | -- 02-22-2025 @ 4:59 AM |
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I suggest not adding things to the car that are not original. A recore is about $1K and you keep the appearance. A radiator shop can clean the radiator and repair leaks if that will save the radiator. They are usually very forthright about condition.
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| jerry_356 | -- 02-22-2025 @ 5:57 AM |
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I agree with 40 Coupe. Keep it as original as possible.
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| TomO | -- 02-22-2025 @ 10:45 AM |
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Recore your radiator rather than installing a reproduction. A good core will cool better and you will not have hood alignment problems if you tale it to a shop that understands that the frame has to be installed in it's original position. Check with the RG to find a reliable radiator shop near you. Keep it original and any problems that you encounter will be easier to diagnose and repair. Tom
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| Shane R. | -- 02-26-2025 @ 10:59 AM |
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Thank you all. I was able to find a semi-local radiator shop that can repair my existing radiator. let the demolition begin.
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