1956 Radiator Access Cover Removal Runs Cooler? | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

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1956 Radiator Access Cover Removal Runs Cooler?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Gail 56 bird
  • Start date Start date
Gail 56 bird

Gail 56 bird

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1956
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Will engine run cooler by leaving the access cover attached to lower radiator shroud off ?
Thank you,
Chuck

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Last edited by a moderator:
Gail 56 bird said:
Will engine run cooler by leaving the access cover attached to lower radiator shroud off ?
Thank you,
Chuck
Click to expand...
For the last year, I have played with taking that cover off and putting it in different positions.
In my opinion, there is no difference like yesterday's drive at 85 degrees, but in winter, at 50 to 60, it's slow to warm up.
Mine has been sealed for the last two months.
 
I'm no expert but I would have thought that removing any part of the shroud would reduce some of the air flow going through the radiator and, while that might not be an issue at speed, it must negatively effect cooling when in town.
As per my understanding with a full shroud in place it's position of the fan that makes the most difference to the efficiency of the cooling system and ideally the back of the fan's blades should stick out from the shroud by a quarter of an inch.
 
Two issues that could make me wrong.
1) I have an AOD, and it needs a cooler.
2) I installed air 30 years ago, and it has a condenser.
 
My 55 ran hot in mid CA summers high temps. I replaced the original radiator with original look alike aluminum larger capacity and high output water pump and a 6 bladed fan. In addition, I use a cooling additive for race cars that actually works and I never have any engine temp issues. I remove the round cover you described during summer. It allows more airflow to the radiator. I researched this issue and found that all these early TBirds had engine temp issues due to the small size of the engine compartment compared to the standard car engine compartments.
 
Is this round black plate in this photo what you are all referring to as the "cover"?

1755207645355.jpeg
 
Yes, it can be removed / installed quickly.
 
Mine is set up with the air to radiator, a Spal fan, and a 2-inch gap with a semi truck cooler for AOD.
I've thought about doing the aod cooler to the side like you, but I put 1500 miles on it in 2 weeks, so I may wait till winter.
 
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