Topic: 64 1/2 Dearborn Radiator

[Chris]

I purchased this restored radiator about a year ago and wanted some input as to its originality. It is supposed to be a Dearborn radiator.  The Dearborn radiators that I've seen have square-end radiator straps on top, not the round-end style correct for San Jose radiators.  Can anyone tell me if this is a correct radiator for a Dearborn car (mine is a C4 car, June 64 Dearborn)?

Here is a link to pics of the radiator: http://img222.imageshack.us/g/sideraildepc4ze8005m24e.jpg/

[CharlesTurner]

That doesn't appear to be a Dearborn radiator.  The part number stamping looks large also.  Maybe something someone created to look like an original?  The soldered tag on the top is not period correct either.

[Chris]

I was using the only reference I have to ID what would be correct before I bought the radiator and the reference I used was Original Mustang 1964 1/2 - 1966: The Restorer's Guide by Colin Date.  It stated that Dearborn radiators would not have stamping on the top of the radiator like San Jose radiators but instead would have a tag soldered on top and stamping on the side rail/strap. 

What made me think it wasn't original (not a Dearborn radiator) was the rounded ends of the tank strap on top of the radiator. I don't know enough to ID a reproduction radiator tag versus an original like the one shown soldered on top of the tank. I thought this type of tag was correct for 65 1/2 and 65 Dearborn radiators?

Anyone have any examples (pictures) of what a correctly stamped Dearborn radiator looks like? Any good literature sources to correctly ID one? I paid a lot for the radiator unfortunately.

Thanks.

[J_Speegle]

Agree with Charles that the identification is typically on the side strap

Also agree that the the markings on this particular radiator (stampings) do not match what I've seen on others

[rodster]

Anyone have any examples (pictures) of what a correctly stamped Dearborn radiator looks like? Any good literature sources to correctly ID one? I paid a lot for the radiator unfortunately.

Thanks.

Here's some good reference info and pictures....like someone recently said, just consider it paying for your education. 

I'm sure you could sell it as is and recoup some of your money.

http://blog.virginiaclassicmustang.com/2010/11/1965-mustang-high-performance.html

Rod

[Chris]

Thanks. I did come across those pics after the purchase!

I believe those are from one of Brant's mustangs. I haven't read in anything published a hard-fast-rule of square ends for Dearborn cars...I guess it's the preponderance of the evidence. If all you ever see is square ends on Dearborn cars, then that's what it is.

If anyone has a "spare' Dearborn radiator I can have restored, please let me know as I'm in the market!   

[Chris]

I've found a 64 1/2 radiator to replace the one I bought previously that was not original. It has a transmission code on the side strap that I've not seen in any of the references, "B1". The entire side strap marking is: DEP C4ZE 8005 B1 4AB. Is the B1 for an auto? I'm waiting to hear back from the seller to see if the transmission cooler fittings are present. A pic of the radiator markings is attached. The top of the tank has squared-off straps. I do know that it came out of a V8 car with a/c.

My car is a June 19 64 build date, 260 V8 auto w/ac.

Thanks for the help.

[Chris]

The radiator does have the transmission cooler fittings, so it's for an automatic. I would be curious to know if anyone found a source that shows the "B1" application. From the 4AB date (Jan 64, 2nd week?), it looks to be an early production radiator.

Thanks.