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| | | Forums66 Topics128,026 Posts1,055,404 Members48,422 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 | I put a 1958 235 in a stock 1949 1/2 ton used a 216 water pump and blade new radiator, I know the fan sets low, and I know they have an adaptor plate to raise the pump and blade. I have not started the truck yet, but was thinking about an electric fan, but only have one inch between the radiator and fan shaft. has any body put a push fan in front of the radiator , to help cool ? Thanks | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 | I am using a pusher fan in the Texas heat on my 216. No issues. If you are asking for opinions, you will get a lot from both sides. I will say that my fan is loud when I am stopped but I don’t hear it on the highway.
Chris | | | | | Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 4,479 Moderator, Electrical Bay | | Moderator, Electrical Bay Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 4,479 | I have A/C and therefore I have a pull fan (no water pump fan) controlled by an adjustable thermostat and shroud (Old Air Products) and I also have a push fan in front for the A/C. When the A/C is on, both fans run. When A/C isn't on only the thermostat controlled puller works. Here in N. Texas we have summer apx 300 days a year. Good luck.
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 4,479 Moderator, Electrical Bay | | Moderator, Electrical Bay Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 4,479 | One other thing I'll mention. I switched from the stock radiator to an aluminum radiator about 2 years ago. That made a huge change in the degree of heat/cool transfer. If you can use one of those, I'd highly suggest doing it.
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 | OK Thanks, think I'll put a pusher fan in front of the radiator, just to be on the safe side.My other question , is what did you do withe the rods that brace the front clip that cross in front of the radiator ? Thanks | | | | | Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 4,479 Moderator, Electrical Bay | | Moderator, Electrical Bay Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 4,479 | You may have to get creative and modify (space forward) those a bit...or if your fan is one of the low profile models it may be able to fit underneath.
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 | I used those rods to mount my fan onto. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,038 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,038 | I didn't know you could use an earlier 216 water pump in a later 235 (without Pre'68 Dave's adaptor plate). I thought you had to use a 235 pump which puts the impellar inside the block, either as a short shaft modification or moving the radiator. Could this be your problem? Kent | | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 | It's a short shaft water pump,but uses a 216 fan blade . | | | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,038 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,038 | Ted,thanks for the clarification. My '42 has a short shaft water pump and 216 blade. I have never had overheating problems and I am pulling mountain grades in 90 degree weather all the time. My COE also has a short shaft water pump with an aftermarket fan blade with 6 blades. It will start to get overheated but only when warm and pulling those same grades. That truck weighs twice what my 1/2 ton weighs but has never overheated to the extent of boiling over or other problems. With a clean block and clean radiator, while not ideal, you may do just fine as you are. The adaptor plate is probably the best way to go. Kent | | |
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