OT: I COULD ask elsewhere but prefer to ask here: Model A Radiatorl A

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: OT: I COULD ask elsewhere but prefer to ask here: Model A Radiatorl A
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Craig Anderson, central Wisconsin on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 02:18 am:

I can't find anything about this anywhere for a '29 Model A Tudor.
I need to know the height of the radiator from the bottom side of the lower mounts to the top of the radiator top tank.....the tank.......not the filler neck.
If I can't get an answer here I give up....... :-( .......but I'm pretty sure someone here will know....... :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Skip Anderson on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 06:34 am:

Just measured mine, and it is very close to 23 inches (give or take an 1/8 inch or so). Measured from the inside, the shroud (outside) was a little hard to tell. I have an original radiator around here, and if I can find it, I will post later.
Good luck.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hap Tucker in Sumter SC on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 06:41 am:

Craig,

I don’t have that answer, but I did notice that the 1928 radiators varied some. You asked about a 1929, but I know I often swapped parts from 1928 to 1929 and vice versa thinking they were all the same and in many cases they were. But in a few they changed a little. Take a look at the Rootlieb note on the 1928 radiators at: http://www.thebrassworks.net/1928-and-1929-ford-model-a-radiators.html where they discuss some “specification drift” of maybe up to 1/4 inch. Note I think the measurement you need is on that page on the factory drawing that is shown. But it is not a high enough resolution for me to be able to read the numbers.

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ken Todd on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 10:56 am:

You could contact Berg's, they would probably know.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Craig Anderson, central Wisconsin on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 12:44 pm:

Thanks guys but I need to have a fairly precision dimension.
Hap.....I found that drawing, and as you mention, it's useless as it's illegible....... :-(
My problem is when I bought the A it came with a Fordor hood which fit poorly.
I bought a correct, nearly if not, NOS hood only to have the same problem and I later discovered at the Rootlieb site both are dimensionally the same.
the hood overlaps the radiator shroud at the bottoms of the side curtains and leaves a gap at the firewall end.
I have done EVERYTHING POSSIBLE including removing the body block bolts just behind the engine and lifted the body some to no avail.
The ONLY thing left is the radiator height as I can get the curtains to lie nearly perfectly with the radiator shroud removed with the hood rod lying directly on the radiator top tank.
It's so exasperating I'm getting ready to take up drinking again.......(not really but YIKES).
I have surfed the internet seeking answers till my eyes got blurry......this is driving me nuts!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Howard D. Dennis on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 01:29 pm:

Are you sure you have a 28-29 frame and not a later frame? I seem to recall different heights between these years but my old mind doesn't remember the exact details.

Howard Dennis


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Craig Anderson, central Wisconsin on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 01:58 pm:

It's the correct frame Howard.......the mounts in the frame are different for the later rads.
The later rads have a depression for the pads and the early ones are flat.
Thanks anyway....... :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter C. Strebeck on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 01:58 pm:

Ditto to what Howard just said. Do you have the 28-29 front crossmember or the 30-31 crossmember? If I remember correctly the 30-31 mounting pads on the front crossmember sit lower than on the 28-29.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Craig Anderson, central Wisconsin on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 02:51 pm:

Peter......I wish it DID sit lower........it would be a simple matter making things fit....... :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Skip Anderson on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 03:22 pm:

Craig,

The '29 2-dr Sedan radiator that I have in the garage measures 24-3/8" from the underside of the mounting flange to the top of the upper tank. Threaded filler neck not included. Width is 19 inches. Hope this helps


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Craig Anderson, central Wisconsin on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 03:57 pm:

THANK YOU SKIP! That is EXACTLY what I needed to know! :D


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Howard D. Dennis on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 08:51 pm:

Craig, what body style are you working on? It's not a Briggs Sedan is it?

Howard Dennis


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Skip Anderson on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 10:03 pm:

Craig,

I have a '29 Coupe and a '29 2-dr Sedan and the radiators and hoods are identical. The reference to different sizes for different body styles is not mentioned in any of the service manuals that I have. Separate hoods and radiators just doesn't make sense for a company concerned with streamlining production with interchangeable parts. Some fit-up problems came from the reproduction radiator shells that were off slightly. Just an observation of the many Model A's that I have had over the years. Good luck, and let me know if I can help in any way.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Howard D. Dennis on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 11:23 pm:

Google 1929 Briggs sedan in Google images and you will see a different cowl and hood than all other 1928-29 Model A's.

Howard Dennis


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Craig Anderson, central Wisconsin on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 11:58 pm:

As I understand it's only the Briggs FORDOR sedan that has the extra "ribs" running the length of the top panels.
The car came with a Briggs hood and it's going on ebay soon.
Anyway........it turned out the radiator in the car is the right radiator and, try as I might, I couldn't find anything, frame wise, that was causing the difficulty in getting the radiator low enough to fit decently.......so I punted.
I managed to get the radiator somewhat lower and shimmed up the rear hinge bracket. It's not a 100% fit but good enough for the girls I go with....... :-)
Thanks again!
I got more information here than anywhere else!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dewey, N. California on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - 12:57 am:

Craig,
I have done a lot of model As, and just as with model Ts, frames DO sag! This would cause the problem you have noted. You seem to know about the variations in the front cross-member. I believe the Briggs hood changes dimension only in the top panels, and that is only slightly due to the gas tank cover fitting over the tank--it has been a long time since I rebuilt a Briggs body, so I don't remember the exact details--there's a chance the dimension are the same.
BTW, the Briggs hood is used on the Fordors, Town Cars, and the Cabriolets. These models have a number of unique features that preceded the '30-'31 styling.
When mounting an A body on the frame, you start with the hood alignment (cowl body bolts, at firewall & door hinge) and then work back. Don't forget that there is a little side to side movement possible too.
If you're working on a roadster, the body can look great on that flat garage floor, and then when you park on a street curb, the doors don't' fit right! The danged body is TOO flexible!! Remember, it was the bottom line body style!
:-)
We now return you to T programing! :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Craig Anderson, central Wisconsin on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - 01:47 am:

LOL and thanks David.......but TODAY the T's AND A will go on hiatus for a day or two.
I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of a gorgeous 1925 Dodge Model B Sedan.......it's gonna be a long night........ ;)
My hauler is already in Missouri....... :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dewey, N. California on Friday, May 24, 2013 - 01:42 am:

Craig,
You will find the DB has enough metal in it to make at least 2 Ts! Wonderful cars--Someday I will get my '16 DB touring together--but first the '15 T (which is actually a '16, but made in '15!). I'll be able to compare them side-by-side!
T'
David D.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Craig Anderson, central Wisconsin on Friday, May 24, 2013 - 04:16 am:

David......the car arrived at 2AM YESTERDAY morning!
I think car lovers won't mind a photo of it here....... :-)
It IS a wonderful car with lots of neat little amenities.

25DodgeSedan


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dewey, N. California on Friday, May 24, 2013 - 04:39 am:

Oooh, that looks like a beaut! I'm jealous!
So now you can chauffeur some big wigs around!
But, probably uses up as much garage space as two Ts! :-)


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