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

Today the radiator on my '52 Packard 200 Deluxe sprung a leak. I came out of an offcie supply store to find a small puddle underneath, and a visible streaming leak from the lower edge of the TOP tank on the radiator.

My friend Randy and I will pull the radiator sometime in the next day or two, and Rady being a pro mechanic knows where to take it for repair.

But, I figure just in case the rad shop finds it's worse than we think, or maybe just because I am planning to add air conditioning really soon and the original rad has not been impressive even withOUT the AC, maybe I should be ready to look at a replacement versus a repair?

Has anyone done a replacement, and if so, where did you get a NEW (not rebuilt) radiator, and what did you have to pay for it?

Jim G

If the tanks of your radiator are OK, your shop should be able to re-core it. I know it will not be strictly original but, they should be able to provide more surface area to cool your car.

I used a slightly modified Ford pickup radiator in my '56, brand new and only $125. I'm sure a good parts store can find a suitable replacement if you're not too worried about originality.

I am not at ALL worried about originality! (Future postings will make that clearer :) ). I intend to keep the spirit of the Packard, but want to improve reliability where it is practical to do so.

I'd really like a LOT more cooling capacity,as (a) I live in Texas where the daily highs most days recently have been 100, and (b) I intend to add air conditioning, which will put a condenser in front of the radiator to further impede its effectiveness.

Randy also suggested strongly we think about how we could easily find or fabricate a shroud.

I DO know a really good parts man. I will call him.

Jim G

I don't know the 52 architecture that well. But if there is a location that gets air flow other than in front of the radiator, I'd probably take guidance from the new car designs and locate it there. I hope there is such a place. good luck.

Jim, here's a little secret for the straight eights: If you need the water pump outlet on the other side of the engine, get a '50 and earlier water pump, they're the opposite outlet than the '51-'54.

Dont you mean the water pump inlet?

The water outlet is on the top of the head.

Yes, inlet. My bad!

How about lower radiator hose nipple? I just wanted to use the word "nipple"!

TurboPackman: The '50 water pump is a straight interchangable part on my '52?

Jim G

49Packard: I am not proposing moving the radiator. I AM asking if there is a BETTER radiator that will fit in the same spot. For example, thicker core with more total surface area exposed to airflow.

I HAVE taken steps already, related to an appearance customizing project, that have actually lowered the temperature displayed on the water temperature gauge at 60 mph in 100 degree weather. Details will be forthcoming soon . . .


Jim G