Thread: Another radiator question.

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As I've mentioned, I'm going to mount the radiator on my '39 Dodge truck in the bed, and need some advice on mounting it. First some facts. The engine is a 394 Olds with some mild mods, running through a 4 speed hydro. The bed is open in the front (against the cab) and the metal tonneau cover is punched full of 244 louvers. I am also going to either louver or holesaw lots of holes in the tailgate. Point is, airflow should be no problem. Also, running the water through some piping that is about 1.5 inches in diameter all the way to the rear and back again should add some capacity and additional cooling.

I have lots of room in the bed, it is about 42 inches wide x 42 long x 18 high, so I can get a big radiator back there. I am thinking one of the 19 x 31 aluminum universal crossflow ones. I also have room for a 10 gallon tank and battery, with room left over.

Here is my dilema: I can mount the radiator one of two ways.........

1) Standing up like most radiator but back against the tailgate with one or two electric fans pushing air through the radiator and venting out through the holes I punch in the tailgate.

or,

2) Laying flat down on top of the rear kickup with the inlet and outlet pointing down with the hoses coming into the bottom. In this position the fan(s) would be on top, pulling the air up through the radiator and out through the louvered tonneau cover.

I actually prefer the second option as it would make mounting the gas tank easier, but my question is, will a radiator properly distribute and flow water if it is laid flat? Airflow would be just as good IMO, and I plan on building some sort of airdam under the car to scoop up air when underway. My opinion is that a radiator doesn't care how it is laid, it will still fill up with water and transfer heat just the same. I even think I have seen some exotic cars with radiators either laid flat or on a shallow incline.

Here is a picture (but not a good one) of the area I will be installing it in. Anyone have any thoughts on this???

Don