Radiator Saga/Tranny Coolant Connections

[MercuryMarc]

Well, I got my new aluminum radiator in the mail yesterday but it has no lower coolant drainage valve, and has no transmission cooler lines. So I figured I'd try plan "B" and just get a new 3 row Ford radiator that should have the proper fittings and lines for my overheating 1963 Comet Custom Convertible with a 69 Falcon 200 ci 6 and a C4 transmision and an old 2 row unit. I probably I can get the radiator from the local Mustang shop down the road. But I cannot seem to loosen the tranny coolant lines at the radiator nipples - the threaded flange at the ends in the lines can be rotated but the tranny coolant lines spin as well, and I cannot seem get the darn things off the radiator....
I am hoping I can get my car back together in time for Fun Ford Sunday in Vallejo, CA 2 weeks....
Any suggestions appreciated....

Marc in SF
http://mercurycomet.net

 

[Anonymous]

Is that one of those things you need the flare wrenchs for? I am intrested in your solution as I have a 63 also. Is your fan in front?

tks don

 

[Anonymous]

Just order new fittings as well. I had the same problem when I put my 3 row in my Mustang. Ordered the new fittings, about 5 bucks each. If you look in the Mustings Unlimited, or Mustang Country catalogs, you will see the fittings. Just keep in mind, on my car I don't have the metal line all the way to the rad. It stops short about 3 or 4 inches, and connects to the fitting with a rubber line and a hose clamp. Yours may be different.

Bill

 

[barishiman]

I went to a local radiator shop in town that I've dealt with before. The guy had 12 radiators for Ford inline sixes. Says he bought them from another shop that went out of business. I swapped my 2 row for a 3 row at $100. Better than $300 for a new one.

Andrew

 

[addo]

You would be best to run with the Al radiator, and fit a separate tranny cooler. The drain cock business can be circumvented by popping the lower hose off the radiator as needed.

Cheers, Adam.

 

[65coupei6]

The lines that connect to the radiator should be rubber. Just cut the two lines, you can replace with new hose. Like Adam said. You should use the aluminum rad. and run a seperate tranny cooler.

 

[MercuryMarc]

Thanks for all the replies!
I purchased a tranny cooler after work today and am going with the Alum Rad. I got the lines off by cutting with a pipe cutter 2 inches from the rad then just unscrewing the stems. I'm going to run rubber tubing (for now) from the cut lines to the new forward mounted mini tranny cooler anyway. I was able to "massage" the new aluminum oversized rad in place and just fabbed some brackets. No room for an engine mounted or even a puller fan so I'm going with the pusher electric. My Tefba filter was shipped today so I should be ready to roll by September 7th (Marco - are you going to FFS in Vallejo?).
Anyway, thanks again for this wonderful forum.
Marc in SF
63 Comet Ragtop
200 ci 6 with a C4, pertronix/flamethrower/edlebrock air cleaner
Aluminum Racing Radiator with tranny cooler and pusher fan
http://mercurycomet.net