Topic: Radiator ID

[keviha]

I’m happy to be a new member of the forum.  I have lots to learn...speaking of which...no time like the present!  I’ve attached a few photos of a radiator I removed 15 years ago from my 66” K-code (Metuchen, C4, Feb 66’ build). 

I was considering putting it back in, but the date codes are likely too early to be original to the car.  In addition, the radiator stamping looks different to what I’ve seen before.  I thought I’d post and see what others with more knowledge have to say.

Is this a Frankenstein radiator, or could it have come from San Jose, Dearborn or Metuchen?  Either way, it would be great to know. 

Thanks!

Kevin

[outlawincorporated]

KEVIN.

based on the pictures you have supplied, this radiator is not correct for your car.

NJ and DEARBORN built 65/66 mustangs have a unique radiator that does not have identification marks on the top tank but on the side strap of the radiator, where as San Jose built mustang have radiator markings on the top tank and sometimes a soldered tag on the edge as well.  there are other subtle differences as well.

i have never seen a stamped radiator top tank (others may have) like yours before but the decoding of this example is for a 65 mustang with air con needless to say the date code is a long way away from your cars build date.
guess if you are wanting to go correct on your 1966 k code you will be spending some time searching for the correct example.  they are out there and not as expensive as San Jose examples so take your time and if you have and question please dont hesitate to ask the people on this forum.

regards

PHILL BERESFORD
MELBOURNE.
AUSTRALIA.

[Bob Gaines]

KEVIN.

based on the pictures you have supplied, this radiator is not correct for your car.

NJ and DEARBORN built 65/66 mustangs have a unique radiator that does not have identification marks on the top tank but on the side strap of the radiator, where as San Jose built mustang have radiator markings on the top tank and sometimes a soldered tag on the edge as well.  there are other subtle differences as well.

i have never seen a stamped radiator top tank (others may have) like yours before but the decoding of this example is for a 65 mustang with air con needless to say the date code is a long way away from your cars build date.
guess if you are wanting to go correct on your 1966 k code you will be spending some time searching for the correct example.  they are out there and not as expensive as San Jose examples so take your time and if you have and question please dont hesitate to ask the people on this forum.

regards

PHILL BERESFORD
MELBOURNE.
AUSTRALIA.

+1 . I have not seen that style of stamp on the top tank ether. At the very least it was a little used style.

[keviha]

Thanks, Phill.  I really appreciate the information.  It's clear the radiator was not born with the car...though I have to say it's interesting that neither you or Bob have seen the style of stamp.  I was thinking 55+ years since introduction, that everything about 1st gen Mustang's have been seen at least once.   

Well, in the meantime, I'll keep my eye out for correct radiator.   

Thanks,

Kevin

[Brian Conway]

While you guys are at it...  Would you give me some info on this radiator ?  C4ZE West Coast ?  Thanks, Brian

[outlawincorporated]

While you guys are at it...  Would you give me some info on this radiator ?  C4ZE West Coast ?  Thanks, Brian

1965 V8 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITHOUT AIR CON.  JANUARY 1965

regards

PHILL BERESFORD
MELBOURNE,
AUSTRALIA.

[Brian Conway]

Thank you.  Does the Z2 make it an automatic ?  Better said what does the Z2 mean ?Brian

[Bob Gaines]

In regards to reply #4,it is also a West Modine radiator most typically used at SJ.

[J_Speegle]

Thank you.  Does the Z2 make it an automatic ?  Better said what does the Z2 mean ?Brian

Z2 identifies the more specific application beyond it being designed for a Mustang

Records that I have of original radiators to the cars agrees with what Phil posted = V8 automatic for 65

 

[flyingfred]

+1 . I have not seen that style of stamp on the top tank ether. At the very least it was a little used style.

+1 I also have not seen this type of stamping before and when Kevin sent the pictures to me, I suggested that he check here.

-Fred-

[keviha]

+1 I also have not seen this type of stamping before and when Kevin sent the pictures to me, I suggested that he check here.

-Fred-

Fred - thanks for suggesting I check here. 

[J_Speegle]

Will add my observations to and experience to the chorus. I've not seen this style of marking the top tank on any Ford radiator over the 50 or so years of dealing with cars.

[keviha]

Will add my observations to and experience to the chorus. I've not seen this style of marking the top tank on any Ford radiator over the 50 or so years of dealing with cars.

Jeff - That's pretty amazing that you and others have said the same thing.  Do you think given the style of marking that it's still likely to be an original tank?  Well, I have no reason to keep for my car and would like to free up the space in my garage.  if anyone is interested in it...feel free to send a PM with a reasonable offer.   Thx.  Kevin   

[J_Speegle]

Jeff - That's pretty amazing that you and others have said the same thing.  Do you think given the style of marking that it's still likely to be an original tank?  ............

Likely? No

Long odds maybe but would not bet on it. It it turned out to be original for some application, if I were you, I would by a lottery ticket on that day

Really odd that someone spent the money to modify or make a top tank with the Ford number.  We do see aftermarket using factory numbers to identify their parts at times - unusual but it happened. May be a supplier that got a contract to make some service replacements but didn't make or supply many - enough for us to have seen/find. Just not something I've seen after looking at tens of thousands of cars