Homemade radiator shroud

[Ratnest]

I chose not to spend $100-150 for a new repop shroud and decided to make one. Never made one before, but why not try! My flex fan is about 18 1/2" so I went to the sheet metal shop and ask them to make me a 16 gauge, 21" diameter circle, 4" deep and strenghtened with ridges. That cost me $15. I took the strip home and made my circle and spot welded it. I bought a 5' length of flat strap at Home Depot to make mounting brackets. I used a scrap u-bolt to get around the lower radiator hose. AND..a couple hours later it was done.

I know it's not professional, but when my welds are dressed and it's painted, it will be good enough for me.

I sure hope I'm not doing too many posts...but this sure is fun.

 

[Lakeroadster]

Shrouds R Us

Airflow through a radiator can be maximized only if the entire core is covered by a shroud.

This ensures that the fan pulls air through the entire radiator surface.

Some good information can be found here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=814819

Will you need that.... hard to say? A friend of mine put a bone stock 1990's EFI Trans Am motor, drivetrain and electronics in an early 1950's pickup. No shroud and no fan at all, it never overheated.

 

[Ratnest]

Thanks for your input. I knew that my shroud would not be totally efficient...but hope it helps a little until I find a good/full shroud. As you pointed out, I may not need a shroud at all. This shroud project was the result of being bored and wondering if I could make one. Too much time with little to do can be a problem. Anyway, I'll leave it in place for a while.

The H.A.M.B website is undergoing an update and I will view it when it's up again. Back to the bed installation today.

 

[Rich 5150 69]

Ratsnest go here, and you might find blanks at Walker radiator site as well as a few others....
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Dominator-Cut-to-Fit-Radiator-Shroud,52439.html
Or here if you want to build a glass one, i seen several DIY glass shrouds made this way they turned out nice..
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/building-fan-shroud-caution-long-pic-heavy-1219348/

 

[66 Truck Drive]

That's a sweet fan shroud! I likes!

 

[Ratnest]

Thanks guys for the advice, info sites and compliment. As usual, I'm learning a lot "after the fact". It was still fun...nevertheless.