Are you overheating?

I've been driving my '37 for 40 years with no problems, so I wouldn't spend time and money fixing a problem that might happen.

If you're having a problem (maybe overheating? maybe with vapor lock?) we could discuss possible "fixes" for that.

To answer your question: there are (I am sure) available 6-volt cooling fams, for I have seen them on older cars. But again, I would make sure you need it before you start getting involved in the hassle of finding and installing one.

I HAD a problem with Vapor Lock, but re-routed the fuel line closer to the fender well and away from the exhaust manifold. That worked, so changed the temporary rubber fuel line with the correct and safe steel line.

Not sure if the vehicle is running hot at slow speeds. Temperature gauge seems to indicate it is running hot, but only at slow speeds. Dr Doug indicated that these gauges are not very acurate. Might take my interframoter with on a test drive and check the actual temperature of the engine ( and perhaps the radiator ).

I have located some 6V Cooling Fans, but now wonder if it is worth trying.

Dr. Doug checked the cooling system, so I might be worrying for nothing. Will make sure I have a "real" problem before going further.

Thanks for the input!

BST RGDS
GARY P

There are so many reasons why these things can run hot. You didn't mention what year car this is, but one reason is that the insides of the water jackets rust, so that the (graduated in size) holes no longer distribute the water evenly. Another reason is that the radiators get clogged up. Of course, bad timing can be yet another reason. Another consideration: have you had the engine flushed out, lately?

I notice a lot of people trying to improve on the old technology with additions or modifications of components. Adding electric fans or electronic ignition, or upping the voltage to 8 or 12 volts are common. But the problems that these are supposed to be solving, are often manifestations of rather simple problems. A slow-starting engine for example, may not require you to switch to a 12-volt system, it could simply be the symptom of a too-weak battery, bad electrical connections or an incorrect battery cable.

Really, these cars ran pretty dependably when they were new, and the culprit (in terms of car problems) is often that something has just worn out and needs replacing. It doesn't need new technology. (Okay, let's face it: new cars work way better than our old ones, but would we really dump our Hudsons for a new Toyota?)

I think that once you explore the situation, you'll discover that there is a relatively simple "fix" for most problems, rather than conversion to more modern technology.

I installed a 6 volt electric fan as a pusher. (no room inside)I installed it as part of reassembling the front of the car after engine rebuild and having a 4 row high efficiency core built and installed.
Started out using electric fan only as above 30 mph no need for a fan at all. However, I had mine on a switch under the dash and switched on as needed. I'd sometimes leave it on accidentally and it would zap the battery in just a few minutes. I also had a problem at night with lights on and running fan in traffic. Generator couldn't keep up, so lights all but went. So I installed the water pump fan and only use the electric fan in traffic on hot days. I've only left it on once since.
Doug says the temp gauges are not accurate, so I don't get shook if temp gauge goes to 3/4 mark or more. I would only get shook if it starts to push coolant out the overflow.
Found fan on line from Just Fans. I've decided it isn't worth the price time and labor to fool with. Also having to push car to restart when battery goes.
Kim

Would like to thank everyone for their inputs. Based on the information from everyone, I am going to hold off installing the cooling fan. I have not had any boil over out of the radiator. The 49 Hudson is not exhibiting any signs of overheating, other than the temperature gauge reading what I interpreted as high. For now, I am going to figure this is a gauge accuracy issue, and double check the temperature of the radiator and block after a drive. Doesn't sound like the pusher 6V cooling fan is the way to go without verifying that I actually have a overheating issue.

BST RGDS,
GARY PHILLIPS