Radiator and engine were flushed, which appeared to help some. However, it appears that the main issue was probably with the thermostat, which was replaced.

I want to replace the thermostat in the car. In the Cross-Reference section I see a Napa #70 will fit in a '38. Will it also fit the '36?

Did you check the fluid level? Also, does the oil look good (nice clear red color) and does not smell burnt?

Thanks for all of your inputs as they are great areas that can lead to over heating. The car has been a "Trailer Queen" with very few miles on it since it was restored.

I had never been aware that the 120's in that era had a history of over heating, which was my main concern.

To add another possible cause to the basket is the wrong head gasket or installed backward.

I plan on running the car an using an infrared thermometer to examine the radiator for hot spots. Will probably pull the head to flush it and ensure that the gasket was correct (P.S. will use a new gasket.

Again Thanks to All

I have a friend with a '36 120 convertible that has been over heating since he bought it. He has been told that the Junior cars of that period are know to have an over heating problem. Is that true?

He has flushed the radiator, the engine and inspected the water transfer tube.

Thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated.

While I like OD's (Dave's) lighter fluid, I user odorless paint thinner as I almost always have a gallon can of it sitting on the shelf. Both are good solvents for oils, greases, and the gummy dirt laden mess found in a car's air cleaner. Both are relative safe to use when it comes to catching on fire. I would would advise against using gasoline or any extremely flammable hydrocarbon solvent.

A set of Cork Borers is a nice solution for cutting holes in cork and other gasket type materials.

On my '32 901 I lined the entire inside including the top (firewall excepted) with a bubble foil insulation from Lowe's. Made patterns out of paper to cut the insulation. I used 3M spray adhesive to glue it in place.

For the firewall I opted for using a black dense cardboard material with a leather grain. I used cardboard to cut a pattern.

FYI - On my '70 Vette I lined the interior with the bubble (walls, floor, firewall & area behind the seats. I lowered the noise & heat by 50%, which is why I decided to do the interior of the '32 with it.

Tom - Thanks the step by step is a a gem.

I've adjusted the steering gear car by tightening the thrust bearing nut, which got the free play down from ~30 deg. to ~12 deg. I've read S118 steps 5 & 6 and they seem to be the same. Am I right or what am I missing?

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