Maybe this will help...

1) Hi temp paint (header paint) used on the core will insulate the fins. Insulating a radiator is a bad thing. You can paint the top of the thing with whatever paint you want, but unless you want to deal with strange overheating issues...

2) Since he is upgrading from a 2row to a 3 row, the physical size (depth) of the radiator is different. He will probably need a smaller spacer for the fan. (I know I did when I did the same thing)

 

Well, I went from a 2 row to a 4 row, and didn't have to change the spacer to a shorter one. But, if hitting the rad with the fan blade is an issue, then yeah, get a shorter one. This isn't rocket science here. Get the fan about an inch or so from the rad by using any spacer that will get it there, then add a shroud that will allow the back half of the fan to be seen.
You area right about painting the fins. That's a no no......You don't want to seal in the heat, but rather let it out. I don't care how ugly they get......don't paint the fins. But 'do blow out the bugs every once in awhile. We have some nasty bugs in Texas that will literally clog the fins. I have a compressor with an attachment that I can easily blow those suckers out.

 

I see what you're saying now, lClutchl. But again - I don't see why painting any part of a brand new radiator would even cross anyone's mind. Especially the fins. Would anyone really spray header paint onto the fins of a new radiator?!?!

And I too upgraded to a 4-row radiator, and used the very same spacer as I had been with my stock 2-row.

 

The 4 row sits in the same rad support that the 2 row did, so doesn't place it any closer to the fan than did the 2 row.

 

What's the problem here... I'm just trying to give the guy some guidance.

Jeesh!

Stock 2 row radiator from a 1968 = 1.6" core depth

Replacement 3 row radiator from NPD for the 1968 = 1.94"

With the 1" fan distance from the radiator you wind up losing 1/3 of your space. If you had a fan shroud on your car, your fan is now eating the shroud. Even if you don't have a shroud, it's now really tight to get a wrench in to tighten the bolts down.

Since he stated he had a 67 (Which is practicaly identical to my '68 setup) and was putting in a 3 row, I figured he would like to know this.

This could be different for a '65. I have no idea since I have never owned one.

As for paint... Maybe the radiator doesn't match the black of the engine compartment. Who knows, but people do it. Since people do it, I figured a warning would be appropriate. I have also witnessed a guy using header paint on the radiator... His logic... "The radiator gets hot, I should use Hi temp paint". Simple mistake to make. That's why I know to only use special radiator paint, or laquer based paints.


[&:]

 

I use flat black that you would paint a grill..it's good til 1300 degrees

 

LOL! OK, ok, I give!

 

Not trying to give you a hard time. Just working to understand what you're saying, that's all.

Let's talk about your shroud theory for a second. The shround goes around the circumference of the fan. It makes a circle framing the furthest point of the fan blades. It does not dip down in front of or behind the spinning blades. So whether the fan moved closer to or further from the radiator would have no bearing. I don't see how the fan would "eat" the shroud.

Painting the fins of a new radiator? Well, I s'pose it takes all kinds and someone may try it, so you may as well caution against it. But it's kinda like those "do not eat" warnings on packs of razors. [:@]

 

No, I believe you are trying to give me a hard time. If your not, you are being overly difficult.

We are talking about two different cars. A 67-68 which is the topic of this thread, and your '65, which is not the topic of this thread.

The fan shroud for a 65 may be a straight shot. I have no idea since I don't own a '65 and have never worked on one. The fan shroud for a '68 has contours in front of the fan. The shroud dips down in front of the fan on a '68 Therefore... if you move the fan in towards the radiator, your fan shroud will be struck by the spinning blades of the fan. This has nothing to do with THEORY. I have a '68 and this is a problem that I encountered. This is a FACT. Want pictures? I'll be happy to take some for you tomorrow.


As for my caution about paint... I thought the internet had some space left, so I put it out there. [:-] (You know, that whole sharing knowledge to help the other guy thing)

It's easy to sit back and call someone and idiot... Sad, but easy. Some of these guys are just starting out, and may not know everything like you do. Try to remember that.


In conclusion...

1) Ford used different parts in 1965/66 than they did in 1967/68.
2) These parts interact differently.

3) Don't paint your radiator with insulating paint like header or hi temp paint.
4) If you do paint your radiator, use laquer or radiator paint.

5) A Theory is an assumption based on limited information or knowledge.
6) A Fact is knowledge or information based on real occurances.

Enough of this dead horse.

 

Clutch, here is a pic of a 67 shroud. Are you talking about the bottom of the shroud where it dips some?
Is the fan on a 67 really bigger than on a 65? Just need some clarification here. Not arguing......