My 49' Ford Rat Rod build...

[Ford49Rat]

That would be a good choice

Thanks. One thing I did just notice and was pointed out to me, it is made
in China. Does this mean it would be considered a "Knockoff" of this radiator
or should it work just fine?

 

[05snopro440]

We've used radiators from China and had absolutely no problems, in fact they have solved cooling issues for us. I wouldn't be afraid of it because it's made in China.

 

[Ford49Rat]

We've used radiators from China and had absolutely no problems, in fact they have solved cooling issues for us. I wouldn't be afraid of it because it's made in China.

Ok great. I think I'll go with it then. Thanks for your help

 

[Ford49Rat]

Is there anyone else on here that has any experience with this radiator
from China? Just want all the input I can get before I hit the "But it Now."
Only reason I'm looking at this one is it is cheap and under $200.

 

[Ford49Rat]

Here's another one from another company that has a lot more reviews
(99% positive) and have sold a lot more of these radiators. It is slightly
different than the one I posted before.

Anyone see anything wrong with it? I'll be fabricating a grill myself that
the radiator would fit behind.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/32-Street-R...Parts_Accessories&hash=item4854f707b2&vxp=mtr

 

[Torchie]

Here's my 2 cents...
As long as the dimensions and all the outlets and filler neck are where you want them either of these rads will be fine. As has been stated, many of these Chinese rads are out there and being used everyday. As long as it is welded and not"bonded" (Read glued).
I have purchased some smaller parts from this E-bay seller and have had no problems.
Now for my caveat...
I personaly only by parts on line that are either A.Vintage or B. Unavailable to me otherwise. And it's not about where it's made as most parts come from offshore these days.
I buy from my local parts guy as much as possible because if I have a problem with it I have a place to take it back to.
I also understand the lure of saving a buck or two.
Well perhaps that was a bit more than 2 cents.
Torchie.

 

[Ford49Rat]

Here's my 2 cents...
As long as the dimensions and all the outlets and filler neck are where you want them either of these rads will be fine. As has been stated, many of these Chinese rads are out there and being used everyday. As long as it is welded and not"bonded" (Read glued).
I have purchased some smaller parts from this E-bay seller and have had no problems.
Now for my caveat...
I personaly only by parts on line that are either A.Vintage or B. Unavailable to me otherwise. And it's not about where it's made as most parts come from offshore these days.
I buy from my local parts guy as much as possible because if I have a problem with it I have a place to take it back to.
I also understand the lure of saving a buck or two.
Well perhaps that was a bit more than 2 cents.
Torchie.

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to get one and give it a try. Then I'm going
to attempt to build my grill around it!

Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[blacksheep]

I just installed a new aluminum radiator from e bay , and it cools nice , and fits good also. Running it to cool a 429 big block Ford.

 

[Ford49Rat]

Now that I've decided on a radiator, I have to figure out the best way to mount
it. I have attached a picture of the front view of the rat rod and a picture
with a cardboard cut-out of the shape grill I am going to make.

Would you guys mount the radiator inside the grill from the back, or mount
it another way? I do not want the radiator to show except through the front of
the grill. The only way I can see making some type of support is welding
something from the frame on both sides and coming up to support the
radiator. I need some ideas on this!

I'm also going to tilt the grill like in the picture I've attached. From what I
have seen that shouldn't be a problem to tilt the radiator.

Any ideas would be great!

Also, I do not want to mount the radiator in the back of the rat rod. I'm
going to stick to the front.

 

[Ford49Rat]

Got the radiator today. Looks to be pretty good quality with nice welds all
around.

 

[Ford49Rat]

Here's an update:

I finished making my grill shell today. It turned out great in my opinion.
Are there any unique and cool ideas out there for the design in the shell?

I've seen some cool spider webs, original type looks with the metal bars,
and some others. Any opinions or ideas?

 

[Country Misfit]

Looks good! What size pipe is that?

 

[Ford49Rat]

Looks good! What size pipe is that?

Thanks!

It's 1 1/4 inch conduit.

 

[christcrusader13]

I love that grill shell, that'a great idea!

 

[skull]

simple

l use the K I S S method.

something like this would look awesome on the car.

Later

 

[Ford49Rat]

I love that grill shell, that'a great idea!

Thanks. It wasn't too bad to make. As long as you have access to a pipe
bender, you can make one. Then get some thin sheet metal and cut it as wide
as you want, then tack weld it all the way around and bend as you go. I
am very happy with how it turned out. Less than $20 in and I have a grill
shell with the look of exactly what I wanted.

 

[Ford49Rat]

Here's an update on what I got done today...

Bolted the radiator inside the grill shell.

Made mounts for the bottom of the radiator and welded the mounts to
the frame and bolted it to the radiator mounts.

Got all the brakes hooked up. Haven't tested them yet, but hoping for the
best that they work good. Going to bleed them this upcoming week.

I really like the look of the grill on the rat rod, but think I made it a hair
too tall. Oh well, I'm still happy with it.

Pic attached.

 

[Torchie]

Here's an update on what I got done today

I really like the look of the grill on the rat rod, but think I made it a hair
too tall. Oh well, I'm still happy with it.

Pic attached.

That's what matters.
Great job.[cl

 

[Ford49Rat]

A good days work today. I shortened the grill about 6 inches so it sits close to the radiator and is now about 5 inches off the ground. Also got the brakes done and thankfully no leaks! Also got the bed sides put on. Progress is being made.

 

[christcrusader13]

[cl You nailed it by dropping 6 inches off of her, looks awesome!