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With the engine, transmission and driveshaft installed in the restoration car, and the starter, alternator and cooling fan in place, the next major step in the project is the installation of the radiator.
Steps:
- For this particular restoration, the radiator was in good enough condition that it could be successfully refurbished. Once removed from the vehicle, it was sent out to a radiator shop where it was cleaned up and checked for flow capacity.
- The radiator's front face the surface that faces the road in the moving vehicle was checked particularly carefully for debris and signs of damage. On this radiator, some of the fins had deteriorated, but not the point where the part couldn't be successfully refurbished. It's critical that the fins be in good enough condition to effectively dissipate the heat generated by a working engine.
- Older radiators like this one were generally made of high quality, using brass as material. If it's found that the radiator does need to be re-cored i.e., replacing the entire center section of fins and tubes it can usually be done successfully since brass is a good medium to build onto. In this case, re-coring the radiator was not necessary
- On the back side of the radiator, the lower radiator-hose connection was checked and found to be in good condition, as was the upper hose connection and radiator-cap connection.
- The radiator pressure-cap itself was replaced with a new one. The radiator cap is an integral part of the cooling system, and the key factor is the condition of the seal and check valve. A properly working radiator cap permits the control of the pressure and temperature within the radiator, helping maintain them at the proper levels. A good seal effectively raises the boiling point of the coolant approximately 45 degrees, and prevents the radiator from boiling over. Since the rubber of the seal can deteriorate over time, it's a wise choice to replace this important but inexpensive part.
- For the radiator installation, the radiator shroud is placed in position first, but not bolted on. It's critical that the shroud be positioned before the radiator is put in, since after the radiator is in place, there are obstacles that would prevent the shroud from being installed properly.
- With the shroud in position, and tucked back out of the way onto the fan, the radiator itself can then be lowered into position.
- With the radiator positioned properly, it can be bolted secure to the body.
- Once the radiator has been secured, the shroud can be pulled forward and attached to the mounting studs on the radiator using four nuts. The shroud serves to direct air through the radiator as the fan pulls the air through. It is a very important part of the cooling system, and should not be left off.
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