High radiator shells

[Allan]

I have always relied on the outward flare on the sides of the high shells to easily differentiate them from the low shells where the sides are square to the front panel. It is my belief that all the high shells have the same flared out sides, but in a recent wanted ad thread it was indicated that the earlier high steel shells were different from the later 26-7 nickel plated brass shells. So today I did some checking.

I only have 8 high shells to hand, so the sample may not be truly indicative. I measured the angle of the flare 1.5" down from the bottom edge of the top panel so there was little chance of distortion/flexing which may be more evident at the frame mounting points at the bottom.

Three steel shells averaged 11.2 degrees flare. Five later brass shells averaged 10.1 degrees, not a great deal of difference. My conclusion is that there is no real difference between the steel and brass high shells, and the flared sides remains a reliable way to differentiate them from low shells.

In the wanted ad post, one respondent stated the 23-25 steel shells were less angled than the later brass ones, and that the lack of difference I had indicated may be due to the Canadian origin of shells with which I am familiar. I do have a USA made shell on my LHD 27 Tudor sedan, and the flare on that is 8.5 degrees, less than the average for the steel shells to which I have access.

What say the rest?

Allan from down under.

[TMiller6]

I believe that the 26-7 shells on open cars were painted steel. So it’s not safe to say all high steel shells are 25 and earlier

[ModelT46]

TIhe original radiator shell on a very original may 1927 roadster was painted steel.

[ModelTWoods]

I believe that the 26-7 shells on open cars were painted steel. So it’s not safe to say all high steel shells are 25 and earlier

Unless, I'm misunderstanding Allen, he is not saying all high steel radiator shells are 25 and earlier.

[TRDxB2]

Given the dimensions of the hoods & especially the cowl (firewall) measurements, there would have to be a flare difference for proper fitment since the front mounting points are the same width apart. Going to see if I can do the math

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There may be another difference contributing to the flare measurements for high shells. I had compared two high radiator shells, one painted steel & the other nickle. The difference I noticed was in the arc at the top of the shells. Would be interesting to see if yours reflect the same difference.

[RajoRacer]

I understand that '26-'27 shells no matter what material they were made from had ROUND lacing holes - earlier are open rectangular.

[John kuehn]

Maybe a different company making them or a design change for what reason??

[ModelTWoods]

Maybe a different company making them or a design change for what reason??

John, I don't know the reason of the change from rectangular to round lacing holes. I don't know that anyone alive, today, does with authority, but I have had 23-25 steel shells with the rectangular and 26-27 steel and brass shells with the round holes, but no rectangular in 26-27, which verifies what Steve said. Also, Thank you, Frank, for posting the dimension diagrams of the different hoods. As they show there was only 1/8" difference on the top hood panel on each side (total for both sides of 1/4") compared to a 26-27 hood and they show a 1 1/2" difference (per side; total of 3" difference) in the hood width at the firewall, it is obvious that the shell sides on 26-27 shells must have a greater flare than the sides of a 23-25 shell. I do not currently have a 23-25 shell to observe, but my previous observation is that compared to a 26-27 shell, the sides on a 23-25 shell have no OR ALMOST no flare to them. If they have any flare, it is minuscule compaired to 26-27 shells.

[TRDxB2]

These "estimated" calculations are only intended to show that there should be a difference in the flare of the shells in order to support Allan's observations. It may be that for whatever reason the sides of the shells were adjusted, flared, for a better fit once the hood was placed on it.

Don't have a measurement for a 1926 firewall
for 1917-23 low shell possibly a 5.17 degree flair
for 1914-25 shell possibly a 9.25 degree flair

[rickd]

This is a July 25 Touring I am restoring. The nickel rad shell has rectangular holes and the sides are clearly slanted. From my read in the Encyclopedia the nickel rad shell and headlight rims became available as dealer accessories in April, 1925 and were subsequently available as options on some 26 cars. Not to pull this discussion away from the shape of the rad cover but I would appreciate an opinion on whether the use of the nickel rad cover and headlight rims would be correct on my late July 25 Touring. Hope so, they sure match the hubcaps and steering case nicely.

[Steve Jelf]

I've never studied such fine points as angles, but I have measured the difference.The open space on a low radiator shell is about 17". On a high shell it's slightly over 18".

[ModelTWoods]

I've never studied such fine points as angles, but I have measured the difference.The open space on a low radiator shell is about 17". On a high shell it's slightly over 18".

Steve, When you say "the open space", are you referring to the opening at the front of the shell (the area allowing air to the radiator), or are you talking about the maximum measurement across the back side of the shell, measured across the shell from one side to the other. That is what all the discussion is about.

[TRDxB2]

This is a July 25 Touring I am restoring. The nickel rad shell has rectangular holes and the sides are clearly slanted. From my read in the Encyclopedia the nickel rad shell and headlight rims became available as dealer accessories in April, 1925 and were subsequently available as options on some 26 cars. Not to pull this discussion away from the shape of the rad cover but I would appreciate an opinion on whether the use of the nickel rad cover and headlight rims would be correct on my late July 25 Touring. Hope so, they sure match the hubcaps and steering case nicely. Rad.jpgRad11.jpg

How correct do you want to be? For judging, for self..
Repro headlight rims are a bit narrower than original (need closeup of yours). Some plated steel shells, so have you confirmed its brass plated shell?

[Allan]

It is my belief that all the high radiator shells have the same flared sides, both later brass ones and all the steel ones. In my experience, I have found round and square lacing holes on both types, perhaps reflecting different suppliers.

The miniscule difference in flare angle needed to be a perfect match alignment with the wider 26-7 models is not likely to have meant a revision in the manufacture of the shells. Besides, steel shells ran from 23 to 27. And, on my limited sample, four of the brass ones, for later cars, were less flared than the steel ones.

On my sample of one, I would have to agree with the thought that all US brass shells have round lacing holes, but that is completely contradictory with the Canadian brass shells I have. When checking this on my US LHD Tudor, I noticed that the flare on the sides of its shell would need to be much greater to accurately follow the body line at the cowl. Even if they were altered from the 23-5 models, it certainly is not reflected on this car. Perhaps those with the 26-7 improved cars could check this for us.

Allan from down under.

Allan from down under.

[Steve Jelf]

Terry, it's the area allowing air to the radiator. That was simplest, so that's what I measured.

[ModelTWoods]

Terry, it's the area allowing air to the radiator. That was simplest, so that's what I measured.

That's what I thought, however that is not the point of discussion. the point of discussion is whether and how much the sides of a steel or brass high radiator shell are flaired out to match the front edge of the hood.