Don't know where my original post on this project ended up but the dual fans and all associated wiring are complete and working per manufacturer (SPAL). I've shot a couple of pics. Initial start-up and testing for leaks, fires, smoke and any other unwanted gremlins were in the garage this evening. Nothing note worthy to report. A shake down cruise to follow once weather cooperates. You know its really black magic the way its engineered. I mean the operation of the fans are dependent wholly on the thermostatic switch, although I did install a simple toggle switch to have an override option again per SPAL. Running 180 stat. Fans cycle on @ roughly 195F and off @ approx. 185F not temp gun tested. Will get one. They seem to move the air...noisy but its a hotrod for crying out load. I won't be convinced until the ambient temps climb and settle out spring/summer and really put the system to the test.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily) ‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence) “I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
From here to there or there to here? You can ask the Moderator of this forum to move this thread to Electrical or ask the Moderator of Electrical to move that thread here. It’s your choice.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily) ‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence) “I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
Dose SPAL say anything about opening up the corners of the shroud to airflow like what was done in this cookie sheet shroud. Also, to try to keep the fuel pump cooler I made this heat shield to reflect header heat.
No additional mods were discussed either by the radiator designer (Champion) nor the fan designer (Spal). I did ponder the idea when you brought this to my attention, although after some thought I decided I didn't want to weaken the (120.00 dol.) shroud by drilling/cutting it up. Time will tell whether or not that was the right decision. Right now I just want to run this set-up and see how it behaves.
Are you staying warm? My 1966 UCLA geology graduating class is planning our annual reunion and I spoke with one of my classmates in Denver yesterday. She told me the low was minus 6 and the high was a "toasty" plus 20. Brrrrrr.
"How does a cookie sheet cost $120?"
It didn't. It cost $7 on ebay. I couldn't have bought a raw piece of aluminum for that price and this cookie sheet was a perfect fit with rolled edges and curves instead of square corners that help air flow..
"If it does get hot at speed under load, those flaps will help."
That's what I found too Ed. The shroud noticeably helped cooling in gridlocked traffic and slow going but actually caused hotter running at freeway speed. Adding the flap covered holes in the corners fixed that.
"Looks good. I also installed a manual fan toggle switch for just in case."
That's a great idea Volfandt. I think I will make a jumper wire to bypass the thermal switch in case it should ever fail. Thanks for mentioning it.
"I left UCLA in '69 for Wyoming, never returned to CA except to visit family. Didn't know they had reunions there, too bad they don't come here."
Ed,
What part of Wyoming are you in? My family that now includes grandkids has been vacationing in the Wind River Range near Lander and in the Beartooth Mountains between Red Lodge and Cooke City since the 1970s.
The UCLA Geology Department class of 1966 tries to get together for a reunion each year at my house in Northern California because I have 8 acres and people can bring their RVs and stay in our cabin guest house.
Maybe you can suggest some good fishing holes that an old man (74) like me can get to. My backpacking says are about over. We've caught some great fish dinners out of the lakes in Silas Canyon accessed via the trailhead at Fiddler's Lake on the Lewis Lake Road out of Lander and out of the lakes accessed from the Island Lake trailhead on the Beartooth Highway west of Beartooth Pass.
Ray, I live north of Denver now, have to get away from all the people for decent fishing now. I had some decent fishing in Yellowstone Lake from a kayak a few years back, most fishing around here involves packing in.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
Thanks Apache1 for posting this. My 59 Apache I have done most of the work on the truck myself except the engine compartment. Turned the engine bay area and components over to my 45 yr. old son. Of course the parts and such are paid by me--Dad my last hurrah on restoring a vehicle. Putting a billet system on the 383 stroker was worried about radiater! Son said he wanted am electric fan ok with me. Liked everybodies idea about manual switch. I have put that idea in my need to remember book. thanks guys
Pops>great to hear from another '59 Apache owner...you are welcome! Sounds like your father/son project is turning into quite the build. Do you have some pics to share with us?
LOL Apache 1 I restore things have all my life not a Nerd LOL again. When my wife the school teacher gets time she will help me put them in. It is worth the look beautiful! I will let you know or PM you. Good luck with yours not many 59 out there!
