Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I need to install a new radiator in my '51 200 with manual transmission.

Are all '51-'54 radiators the same? Is there any benefit (i.e. improved design/cooling) by installing a '53 -'54 model?

P.S. Any one in North/East Wisconsin have an extra one?

Are all '51-'54 radiators the same?

No, they are not. Can't tell you what all the differences are but if you take the time to consult the 51-54 parts manual which is available online here for browsing or download, you'll see there are about 12 different radiators used between 51 and 54. As the bodies are similar, there is probably a high degree of physical interchangeability.

I don't know but i'm guessing not much difference in horse collar between 51 and 56. See this thread (all of it) for what i did on my 56:

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb ... orum=3&post_id=54120#forumpost54120

AS others have said, the cradle was the same for 51-4 on non AC cars so all will bolt in. Even AC cars had the same radiator shape and mount size but I believe with another row or two in the core.

Here is the comparison. Spec wise, the various radiators appear pretty close in capacity, flow and construction until 54. That year they changed flow rates considerably and increased psi on pressure cap across the board. Earlier years mostly the same on all--minor capacity or flow change. Any difference was mainly higher pressure cap rating on senior models.

I don't know how much luck you will have finding a really good used. Several who have tried had their find checked by a radiator shop. Most found the old core in their hoped for acquisition was so thin, shop said it needed repair. Also felt it would not be reliable long term. Some wound up just getting their original recored.

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I fully agree with HH56's comments about finding a good, serviceable used radiator. Many of the Packards I'm familiar with that have never been out of service for a significant time still run their original radiator cores with no problems. Radiators that are sitting dry and open to the atmosphere tend to deteriorate internally quite significantly over time. And to a lesser but potentially still significant extent, those sitting with antifreeze as the corrosion inhibitor packages have a finite life.

If you find a good used one, consider yourself fortunate.

I will probably just get mine recored. But its good to know the options and opinions. Thanks everyone.

mtpackard1,
Could you let me know how much that cost you to get your radiator recored. I'm probably heading toward that route myself.

If you decide to re-core, You will have your choice of core designs to use. You can increase the efficiency of the radiator with the new designs. You may want to do something better than what was available as originally built. Cost will vary and can get expensive for the most efficient cores. Let us know how you decide to go and the cost.

(o[]o)

Things may be more expensive here in the Northeast; based on a couple of fairly recent experiences here I'd estimate at least $600 to replace a 3-row with a 4-row core on a 51-54 Packard radiator.

Owen wrote:

"those sitting with antifreeze as the corrosion inhibitor packages have a finite life."

Could you expand on this please? All I have in my 1950 radiator is a 50/50 mix of water and Prestone. Is this inadequate for a daily driver?

Thanks much,

Mark