Radiator Overflow Tanks

[basketcase]

What are you using for a radiator overflow tank? I want to run a closed system with coolant recovery so that the cross flow radiator will be full to the top all of the time. There are lots of tubular ones in the catalogs in various lengths and diameters but I'm not sure what capacity I would need for a non AC mildly built 355 that won't be doing any towing. They seem to come in all capicitys from 20 oz up to 56 oz.

It looks like I have room for a 3" diameter tank in between the radiator support and the grille with room to spare. Kind of hard to tell with everything apart.

Got pictures?

Tom

[70c10]

I just mounted a black JAZ bottle last week but I haven't got the tube for it yet. The black color is concealed well behind my 70' grille. I mounted it to my center grille support. The bottle has a valve on the bottom. I'll post pics when I get a chance.

[49m]

I put a 70s corveete power steering overflow tank as mine and it works great and is small

[Stoney]

Does anyway have a picture of the original overflow tank.
Was there even ever one?

[Sport/Truck]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Does anyway have a picture of the original overflow tank.
Was there even ever one?

I’m pretty sure they didn’t and the original doesn’t have the stem on fill neck to add a tank. (IIRC)
s/t

[muscletrucks]

Here is what I used on my last project from Summit Racing $ 28.95: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Summit has their our label for $ 13.95: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

[basketcase]

Originally Posted by Sport/Truck

I’m pretty sure they didn’t and the original doesn’t have the stem on fill neck to add a tank. (IIRC)
s/t

Radiators have to have an overflow tube even if they don't have a tank and it just blows out on the ground. Otherwise something would have to blow apart when the engine overheated. My original does. You just have to change to a cap for a closed system so that the coolant can draw back in when the engine cools down.

A stock system will have the radiator overflow tube run into the bottom of the tank so that coolant will flow in and be drawn back out as needed. It will have a screw on cap on the top of the reservoir to check/add coolant and the pressure cap on the radiator will not be removed once the radiator is filled.

The problem I have with tanks like that Moroso is that you can't take the cap off to check your coolant level. They are designed to catch overflow so that it doesn't spill out on the race track. The tank should be about 40% full cold to make sure that the radiator is not drawing air back in when it cools and taking the radiator cap off to check coolant level doesn't tell you how much you have in the reservoir. Some of the reservoirs have a pressure cap which is fine if you have a radiator that doesn't use a pressure cap on the spout. I suppose one of these tanks is ok as long as you use a cap of lower pressure rating than the one on the radiator so as not to impead flow to the tank.

I'm trying to figure out how much coolant flows into the tank when the engine is at operating temp so I get one that is big enough with a little reserve. It seems like the plastic ones we used to buy as ad on kits in the 60s and 70s were about a quart. It's hard to tell looking at new cars with the crazy shaped tanks they use. I don't want to drain my car just to find out.

Tom

[lts70]

I think I heard some where that the dealerships had an over flow tank they put on our trucks originally. I thought it was on the inside of the core support by the horns. I have seen a lot of guys use a factory windshield wiper bottle on the opposite side fender mirroring the wiper fluid bottle for an original look. I got one cheap from NAPA and attached it between the battery tray and fender, works great no more loosing my antifreeze out the over flow tube. I also got a cap for a 73 and up Chevy truck to have the correct seals for the overflow.

[Sinister]

Here's mine. It looks factory, might have been a dealer option though.

[kelsfine69]

Mine, ran a stainless line under the rad and up.

[ChevLoRay]

Regardless of whether or not one has an overflow tank, puke tank, whatever, make sure your cooling system is in good condition. If you can gain access to a cooling system pressure tester, you can pump up your system and find any leaks. You can also check the cap. If the cap and the system are in good condition, you shouldn't have any leaks. If the cooling system suddenly starts blowing coolant, you may have a stuck thermostat. The pressure tester won't tell you if it is stuck. If you suspect it is stuck, pour cold water on top of the cap and the side tanks to help them cool off before you open the cap to the FIRST stop. If you turn it to the removal stop, the pressure within the system may blow the cap off and hot coolant all in your face and on your body. You won't be happy.

I've got an aluminum tank for my truck, but it ain't mounted.....yet. No need until I have it back from the paint shop.

[71 super]

Here is a picture of the one on my 71. It is a dealer only option and there were several different types. This one was a NOS item I got off of E-bay. It is identical to the few that I have seen on untouched trucks. The bracket mounts on the core support above the horn(s) and the hose comes from the overflow vent to the bottom of the tank. I paintd the cap so that it would match the overflow, but this is real deal -or at least one version of it.

[68 short step]

heres the ones i use, its a billet specilities peice.

[muscletrucks]

For sale as we speak.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=290212

[basketcase]

I just got mine in from Speedeway Motors. Polished stainless with a billit cap. I ended up buying the 3" diameter by 10" long. I'll post a picture whn I get it mounted.

[tommypic]

one for sale here
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=286036

[tommypic]

Originally Posted by 68 short step

heres the ones i use, its a billet specilities peice.

lets see some under hood pics . what fan setup are you using ? not meaning to high jack the thread

[basketcase]

I see a few mounted on the driver's side behind the core support. There is a lot of room there and it won't show through the grille. I'm going to have to think about that.

Tom

[chevy72blu]

I have one of those dealer installed tanks, located on the passenger side. I removed it to place my MSD box on that fender and im using one of the Summit brand cans on the inner fender well between the inside of the fender and the battery box. I'll have to remove the battery box to drill the holes, but it should fit well and be pretty hidden

[neonlarry]

I used one out of a GM 'G' body.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Heres one that I like..

[basketcase]

Originally Posted by neonlarry

I used one out of a GM 'G' body.

It fits like it was made for that spot. I could have saves some coin by going to the yard.

Tom

[tommypic]

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

Heres one that I like..

where did you get that 1 from ? that is sweet tucked out of the way

[Mudder]

I've had this one on my truck for several years. I'm not even sure it is working right. I don't see any fluid on the ground. I am also running a single metal pladed electric fan. I say good and cool unless I am in town starting and stopping a lot. If I turn the fan on and let it run I am alright.

[chevy72blu]

Originally Posted by 68 short step

heres the ones i use, its a billet specilities peice.

Sorry for the quick hijack, buttttt
Can I see a few more pics of your fan install? I have the same setup (still in the box) and It looks like you made your own simple brackets. Thanks!