41 Fleetwood Radiator

[40mopar]

My '41 Fleetwood has the thermostat linkage disconnected and the radiator louvers are stuck.  I actually doubt that it even has a thermostat installed.  It's no problem in summer, but this time if year, the engine doesn't get above 140 degrees.

 

Could I install in-line thermostats in the coolant hoses like in the old Ford v-8s?

 

Thanks

[Marty Roth]

That may very well be a decent, less-than-obvious for show, and affordable solution for a serious driver-quality.

Actually, I've had the same thought for my '41 Series 62 convertible.

We rarely need heat here in New Orleans, but do tour in all areas of the country (and Canada).

A bit of warmth on a cool morning, or maybe the improvement in windshield defogging would be welcome, so please let me know how it works out for you.

Edited December 19, 2020 by Marty Roth (see edit history)

[John_Mereness]

You are fine with the thermostat disconnected from the shutters - just make sure the shutters are blocked open (you would be surprised that wind while driving can close them).  

 

As the the shutter thermostat itself in the radiator - it does not need to work, but it must be installed in the radiator as it is also a flow restrictor and if not in there the car will do crazy overheating stuff at certain speeds and if you get stuck in even the slightest bit of traffic.  I have seen a few people that thought they could remove and blank out with a flat metal plate - their cars fell flat on their face.

 

If I were to do anything, perhaps it would be putting the shutters on a cable control so that you could hand operate from the dash.  My car had such when I bought it (a 17K mile car too) and I removed on day after purchase and ran car for another 81K miles or so.  In Ohio there was enough heat to run the deluxe heaters/defrosts both on firewall and under seats too - successfully. 

 

Sidenote:  A coiled hose wire is needed in the lower radiator hose to prevent collapse under power (sounds like not an issue on your car though).