Topic: '37 model 78 Radiator R&R


ibshane    -- 07-12-2022 @ 11:29 PM
  I am about to have the Distributor & lower radiator hoses replaced on my bone stock '37 Ford Model 78 V8-85. The guy that is going to be doing the work tells me he'll have to remove the entire grill assembly to get the radiator to do the work effectively. ----- Ok.., I get taking out the radiator for better access to the distributor..., I can see having to remove the Generator. But from what I can tell, there should be no need to remove the grill to get the Radiator out??--------Am I missing something here??


marko39    -- 07-13-2022 @ 10:08 AM
  I doubt ford would have built a car that way. Maybe he wants to work on distributor without taking it out. Just take grill and radiator out and he could crawl right in there.


MG    -- 07-13-2022 @ 10:40 AM
  I've replaced the distributor, the lower hoses, the water pumps and the motor mounts all without having to remove the grille and radiator on the '37 I once had...


TomO    -- 07-13-2022 @ 11:08 AM
  Find another mechanic that is busy enough to NOT want make extra work. You can remove and replace the distributor without removing the radiator and the same goes for the lower hoses. I am sure that it has been done more than a million times since 1936 without removing the radiator or grill.

Neither one is a fun job on a 37 85HP, but the combined time for both of them, is less than the time to remove the grill and radiator.

Tom


ford38v8    -- 07-13-2022 @ 1:23 PM
  Do not go with that mechanic for anything on your ‘37 Ford. He either doesn’t know what he’s doing or he’s disrespecting you in telling you that stuff, probably both.
Distributor removal from below Is no big deal. Lower radiator hoses are best replaced along with front motor mounts, which makes the job easier and probably also need replacing anyway.

Alan


37RAGTOPMAN    -- 07-13-2022 @ 1:32 PM
  NO NEED TO REMOVE THE GRILL !!!!!
you need to remove the GENERATOR and fan.
disconnect the bottom hoses , remove bottom bolts,
remove the radiatorsupport rods,
remove to top hoses
remove the top bolts holding the radiafor in
tilt the radiastor back , have the hood opened and supported
lift the radiator out, TILT BACK, use cardboard to shield the fins so no damage happens, you should have strong help
when the raqdiator is out replace the distributer,
can be done also with out removing the grill, I just did this last month to my 37 Cab. its tricky TAKE YOUR TIME,
if you are just doing the distributer,
remove the ignition wire conduits,
remove the vacuum line to intake
remove primiary wire going to coil
remove the bolts holding the distributer in
when replace the distribute MAKE SURE you LINE UP THE GROVE in the CAM to the distributer drive
it should click into place and distributer should be flush with timing cover, when you rotate the rotor
hope this helps, 37Ragtopman
PS while your are doing this check your motor mounts, at this time,


ibshane    -- 07-13-2022 @ 2:16 PM
  Thanks Guys!

The Mechanic says he had to remove the grill to do the Dist. on his buddy's '36 and he figured this would be the same??


37RAGTOPMAN    -- 07-14-2022 @ 6:33 AM
 
no way he had to remove the grill on a 36, to replace the distributor,
maybe if he was replacing the CAMSHAFT, NOT JUST THE DISTRIBUTER
I think he is looking to make some more MONEY,
My 2 cents 37 Ragtopman, Maine


ibshane    -- 07-15-2022 @ 2:41 AM
  I think I may have worded it wrong?

I had asked him if he would have to remove the radiator to replace the distributor and lower radiator hoses on my '37..., and he replied:

"I sure hope not.., I had to take the entire grill assembly off of my buddies '36 in order to get the radiator out, so I imagine it would be the same with a '37!"


ford38v8    -- 07-15-2022 @ 9:47 AM
  Don’t take the radiator out. But if he insists on doing it his way, tell him any damage to the radiator from taking it out is on him. The radiator is vulnerable from the fan, and needs to be protected with corrugated cardboard before attempting removal.
I still say that’s the wrong way to go about it.

Alan


Jacques1960    -- 07-15-2022 @ 12:38 PM
 
Lower radiator hoses are no fun due to short length and stiff nature of hoses.

Having just done this, I would be very interested in specific techniques to make the job a bit easier.


ford38v8    -- 07-15-2022 @ 1:08 PM
  Jacques, this question has been asked and answered on both forums you have posted on. You must read the answers before posting the same questions again.

With a floor jack under the front of the engine, a short 2x6 on the jack, support the front of the oil pan.
Drain the radiator. Remove the front motor mount nuts.
Remove the hose clamps.
Jack enough to remove one motor mount and one hose.
Replace motor mount with new.
Keep motor jacked up.
With silicone inside new hose, place into position at both inlet & outlet.
Slowly lower engine while guiding hose into place. Don’t forget the hose clamps.
Do the same in the other side.
Cinch the motor mounts till not quite disforming the rubber.
Cinch the hose clamps.
Warm up the engine, shut it down, and re tighten the hose clamps.



Alan


Jacques1960    -- 07-15-2022 @ 2:28 PM
  My apologies


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