First drive / Thermostat ?

Posted by Chiefdan On 2023/2/19 21:03:17

After working on my '51 200 Deluxe since October I finally got her to drivable condition. Registered her on Tuesday and took her for a ride. Surprised by the quiet ride and it goes straight with no wandering and stops straight.
I do not know what to expect from the Ultramatic but the take off from a start I would rate as leisurely at best. Then again, I think I am trying to get over 4000 pounds moving with 135hp. I did have some overheating and have since tuned the car up and timed it. Big difference. My next project is the hoses and belts. I found numbers in the cross-reference for the upper and radiator hoses but how about the short, straight hose in the center on passengers' side? Also, If I have all the hoses off, I will replace the thermostat. Do I use a 160 deg or 180? Could not find a definitive answer in the archives. I will mostly drive the car in the summer but on a nice 40-degree day It might be taken out as well.
Thanks to you all for the help in getting the 200 Deluxe back on the road after almost 30 years. Dan