Re: 1954 359 Aluminum Head / part number/ thermostat/rad cap

Posted by Don Shields On 2021/4/5 20:06:18

Packpac, I've owned a '54 Convertible since 2005 with the aluminum head. In 2006 it looked like the head gasket blew (white smoke at the tailpipe and a burnt antifreeze odor) but it turned out that aluminum just crumbled around #1 cylinder allowing coolant to enter the cylinder. I took the head to a machine shop. They had the crumbled area rebuilt with aluminum weld and then they reground the area to spec. I put a thread insert into one spark plug hole as those threads gave way. It has been fine ever since.

Definitely go with the 13 # cap, just make sure it's the right neck length for the radiator. Mine had a 7# cap when purchased and it was dripping coolant when it was nowhere near overheating. The higher pressure cap took care of that.

Of course it's up to you but I wouldn't use a 180 thermostat. These engines generate a lot of heat as it is so I'd be leery of it overheating on a hot, humid day. The standard is 170 and low is 160. Before I realized the wrong pressure cap was on my car I put a 160 in. It didn't help the coolant purging but I left it in there after changing the cap and it works fine. I don't drive it much in the winter but when I do I get plenty of heat out of both the dash and under seat heaters. Good luck with your car.