The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Radiator Surge Tank

I am in process of building my '50 3600 with a SBC , aluminum radiator, etc. and wondering what others hav eused for a radiator surge tank.

There seems to be an ideal location for a tank in the corner between the passneger side inner front fender and the radiator support but there are a lot of curved surfaces etc. to consider.

I know there are seveal options for aftermarket tanks but suspect there are also a lot of repurposed tanks that others may have found to fit and function.

I am a ways away from running and therefore needing the tank but thought I would ask while I have time to contemplate my options.

Recommendations and/or pictures greatly appreciated.

I have been looking at aftermarket tanks but haven't found one yet that suites me. Right now I'm using a 2 qt. clear plastic peanut jar with a screw on lid. My heater core is higher than the top of my radiator (stock) and therefore I wanted to keep the cooling system free of air so that it didn't "air-lock" in the heater core. I ran the 1/4" hose from the filler neck nipple to the jar with two holes in the lid, one for the hose, one for atmospheric pressure balance. It's been working correctly for several years. Summit Racing has a vast array of them.

I run the summit style in a 10inch length. Works pretty well.

I wanted something that looked kinda farmer-fabbed/ period correct to match the vibe of my truck.

Ended up with an antique freezer jar, held in an old fire extinguisher bracket. It’s just mounted via some standoff spacers with radiator bolts. Seems to work well now that I addressed my leaky rad cap.

Old hydraulic reservoir.

Fits right in with the Tuned Port mill.

Some really creative options - appreciate all of the responses so far.

Store bought, ready to use. The one on the AD was there when I got it but it wasn't hooked up.

On other vehicles I own, I've installed this one. Dorman #603-001 It works great and looks stock on 60s engines and up. With a V8 under the hood, no one will be under any illusion that your truck is stock so there's no need to hide it.

Since it's clear plastic you don't have to take off a cap to check it, which is why I install them on cars in the first place. $8.00 - www.rockauto.com/en/parts/dorman,603001,coolant+reservoir,10457

Otto - thanks for the information and the pictures.

A Jack Daniels bottle works too…

Stove Bolt Still! I like it.

That is classic, especially for a Southern Bolter.

Norcal Dave: What a great photo essay. I was with you every step of the way but my project has been spread out over 50 years and it's about time to start again from the beginning. Everybody with an AD should look at these photos!

I like Dave's best

But FWIW, here's my set up for reference -- how they actually did it back in the day. This is the accessory expansion tank available aftermarket when the AD's were new.

Found mine, NIB, at a truck show swap meet for $20.

John, does the plug on top of the can come off to check the level?

Thanks. That is a beautiful 3800 you have. The first one that I have ever seen with a camper on it, too.

Otto -- No. That's a dimple and part of the stamping. It's a fixed container.

Curious John, do you run your truck without spark plug boots? At least they didn’t have any in that pic…. I only ask because I had an old Norton with a magneto and it seemed to only take a few raindrops to get me stranded somewhere!

Dave -- Yes, I run without the boots (as original). I've never had an issue.

Man I love that!

My buddy mounted a 32 oz. Miller Lite can.

Geez, I wouldn't want anybody to know I drank that swill.

Come on man! Everyone knows that after the first couple of beers, they all taste like drunk.
A poor man can't get properly hammered if he runs out of beer because he chose to blow what little money he had on high end beer.
You know what we called 'that' guy?
Designated driver...

I went with an old style oil bottle. Works great.