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346 flat head stupid radiator questions (HELP??)

Started by gary griffin, June 08, 2012, 09:32:37 AM

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gary griffin

Getting ready to reinstall the radiator in my 1942 restoration project and decided to take it to an old guy who has a radiator shop. I always try to find specialists with gray hair if they have any at all. Radiator tested well and flow was off the charts he uses (over 40 GPM) but we discussed the lever coming out of the front of the radiator. I did not take the radiator from the car so I had not seen it before. It is spring loaded and actuates by pulling with some force. Being an old retired Steamfitter I immediatly thought of a PRV (Pressure Releif Valve) as they useually have such a lever but that made no sense. My next thought was possibly it automatically controlled shutters to control air flow which seemed more logical. My car was dissasembeled by "others" and no such shutter was included in the parts that came with the car.
My questions are as follows.
1 Is it for shutters?
2  Do people still use them?
3 Where can I find a set?
4 I bought a thermostat advertised for the 346 but with the twin return (asuming the radiator is a down flow) where does the t-stat go? In the bottom hose?
5 If it is to be used how do I test this apparatus and how can it be tested and repaired if necessary

I have my manual loaned out to the shop that is reinstalling my rebuilt engine so asking for some free advice from all of the experienced guys on the forum. THANKS IN ADVANCE
Gary Griffin

1940 LaSalle 5029 4 door convertible sedan
1942 Cadillac 6719 restoration almost complete?
1957 Cadillac 60-special (Needs a little TLC)
2013 Cadillac XTS daily driver

harry s

Gary, From your description it sounds like you have an earlier (1941-) radiator. The lever you describe controls the shudders. Starting in 1942 there were no shudders and the thermostat was located between the top tank and the cast iron double hose attachment. The radiator you have will probably physically fit but you won't have the benefit of a thermostat. The radiators from 1942 thru 1948 interchange.   Harry
Harry Scott 4195
1941 6733
1948 6267X
2011 DTS Platinum

gary griffin

Thanks Harry, you have confirmed my suspicions.

Now for the next step. I cant imagine driving a car with uncontrolled water temperatures.

Is it feasible to retrofit shutters?? Probably not?

Is there a retrofit of some kind to put thermostats on the radiators with two top hoses and two upper connections in the radiator?

Are there thermostats that would fit in the hoses somehow??

Where can I find a good 1942 to 1948 radiator at a fair price and are they all the same??

Does anybody want to buy my recently tested 1942 or earlier radiator??
Gary Griffin

1940 LaSalle 5029 4 door convertible sedan
1942 Cadillac 6719 restoration almost complete?
1957 Cadillac 60-special (Needs a little TLC)
2013 Cadillac XTS daily driver

marty55cdv

  Gary, my first thought is this, if you are just using the car in warmer months, I wouldn't worry about the shutters. If you want the authenticity for judging etc then you will want it correct. I wire open the shutters on my 41 and only hook up the thermostat if being judged at a GN.
Marty Smith
  CLC #22760
41 60 Special http://bit.ly/1Wm0GvT
55 CDV http://bit.ly/1G933IY
56 Fleetwood
1958 Extended Deck http://bit.ly/1NPYhGC
1959 Fleetwood  http://bit.ly/1OFsrOE
1960 Series 62 Coupe
1960 Sedan DeVille  4 window Flattop
63 Fleetwood http://bit.ly/1iSz17J
1964 Eldorado http://bit.ly/1Wm17GA  (Living in California now)
1988 EBC http://bit.ly/1iSACKz

gary griffin

Thanks Marty,
   
  I have a problem mentally with engines running at various temperatures. I am not certain that the oils perform as intended over a wide range of temperatures and clearances will vary as metals expand and contract due to temperature changes. I am probably over worrying the problem but thats my nature I guess.

  I have solved it by trading for a 46 to 48 radiator. Eddie Jones is shipping it and I will test it, make any necessary repairs and have it installed soon.

   I don't know if I will ever have it in a show where it matters but I do want to stay authentic also. Not many real Cadillac shows in the Seattle area though.

   Our local club also has fall and winter functions. I went to one early this year in my Lincoln and got a litle bit of teasing (What model Cadillac is that?) . That does not bother me as regularily go to Triumph club function in my Lil Red Express Dodge truck.

   When I lived in Germany I had a 1950 Mercedes with shutters but as I recall they were manually operated similar to yours but I didnt have to open the hood to adjust them. Just kidding a little there.'
Gary Griffin

1940 LaSalle 5029 4 door convertible sedan
1942 Cadillac 6719 restoration almost complete?
1957 Cadillac 60-special (Needs a little TLC)
2013 Cadillac XTS daily driver

harry s

Gary, Glad Eddie was able to come to the rescue. Those radiators are fairly common and switching them is the easiest solution.  Harry
Harry Scott 4195
1941 6733
1948 6267X
2011 DTS Platinum