1957 4-core vs 2-core alumium radiator | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models
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1957 4-core vs 2-core alumium radiator

  • Thread starter Thread starter bwk
  • Start date Start date
bwk
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Thunderbird Year
1957
I've owned this 1957 for about 38 to 40 years, and we drive it.
I do know that there are people on here who have forgotten more than I know, so perhaps this will help those who don't.
35 years ago, I replaced the radiator with a 4-core steel one, and coming home Friday after about 80 miles, the car ran great, the temp was 175 to 180
Pulled it in the garage, shut it off, and in a few minutes, one of the cores blew up.
I spoke with a couple of manufacturers, and one said we have a 4-core and a 2-core aluminum. I said, 'Send me the four cores,' and he explained how the two cooled better and were the same price. I called another company, and they said the same thing, so I bought the 2-core.
He was not lying; it took the car and an extra 15 minutes to get to 160 to burp the antifreeze.

Also, when Berstein came out with an AOD adapter, they said they can't do it on tbird without cutting the X-frame. Well, you can, and I was talking to Casco T-Bird Parts Restoration today. I told him it can be done, and he said they've been doing two or three change-outs a year. One of the best investments I have made.
I thought I would let you know, and I hope the above information helps someone.

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Can I ask where you purchased the 2 core aluminum unit and an approximate price? I assume you did the swap yourself?
 
I bought it from Casco Tbird parts in Ohio, as they had two in stock.
400 and change delivered. I ordered it on Friday and received it on Tuesday.
I have been buying as much as I can from them for the last 40 years.
Yes, I did it myself.
 
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