Re: 1950 packard deluxe radiator interchange ?

Posted by HH56 On 2023/11/17 17:02:54

Size of the radiator typically depends on engine size so manual or automatic does not usually determine that aspect. Radiator cradles are the same for all 22 and 23 series 288/327 engine models so a manual radiator or one from a car with either engine should work. Packard usually made their heavier duty radiator differences with the thickness of the core with more rows being used on larger engines. The radiator and cradle for the 356 is different so that one may not fit in a deluxe. Fitting any other year would be problematic. Earlier years have different cradles so you would need to find something that fits and figure out your own mounts. Later years have lower and considerably wider radiators so would not fit at all..

Early 23rd series Ultramatic radiators did have the cooler in the bottom tank of the radiator but leaks and later war shortages proved problematic so they went to an external water cooler on the side of the engine as shown on page 23 of the linked SC. Cooling water was provided by heater type hoses. Might be hard to find that type but you could probably find a 51-4 type cooler and new lower radiator hoses but would need to rebend and figure out the different oil tubing configuration. An aftermarket air type cooler would probably be easier to find and mount but be sure it has enough cooling capacity.