I was just looking at the '35 truck in the FFR gallery. I haven't noticed before that they used what appears to be copper for the upper coolant line. I know this was used for old school hot rods back in the day, but can copper really be used for modern engines as a reliable alternative? I've googled it, and as usual there is conflicting answers.
Copper pipe will work fine from the standpoint of corrosion, temperature and pressure resistance, but you still need rubber hose fittings at both ends. Doesn't seem worth the effort to me. Real old cars didn't use it.
Sure, works just fine. I even powder coated mine. It comes in handy if you have restrictions on space or odd connections to make. The trick is to take a slice of tubing like 3/16" thick or so and make a slice through one side so you can expand it and slide it over the end where you are going to put a hose and solder the ring on. That will give you a nice step so the hose and clamp can't slide off.
Sure, works just fine. I even powder coated mine. It comes in handy if you have restrictions on space or odd connections to make. The trick is to take a slice of tubing like 3/16" thick or so and make a slice through one side so you can expand it and slide it over the end where you are going to put a hose and solder the ring on. That will give you a nice step so the hose and clamp can't slide off.
That came out really nice. You have any other winter projects going on with the 33?
Dale
Well um I guess you could call it a "multi winters project" - thanks for asking. It's been off the road for basically 18 months now but would like to get it back on the road for this summer. Stripped it down to the bare frame for a complete overhaul / refresh. Not that it really needed it, just a ton of upgrades and improvements.
Short list:
Modified rear control arm mounts for better geometry
Rebuilt transmission
New timing chains / gears / adjusters / guides
Upgraded US Shift trans controller from the vintage Baumann (US Shift is half the size of the old one and has more features)
Holley HP EFI, digital dash, analog speedo and tach (replaced Megasquirt and stock gauges)
New bumper to bumper 21 circuit chassis harness (stock harness was inadequate for all the electrical systems I'm running)
Color change of chassis / drive train from blue to dark grey (Love the blue color but the grey goes better with the silver body)
All new stainless fuel / brake / trans lines (original lines were all discolored and oxidized, NiCopp lines turn green)
Boyd tank (wanted an in tank pump with more capacity to feed bigger injectors)
42# injectors (24# were undersized)
Rebuilt exhaust system with band clamps and remade tailpipes to clear modified suspension (early kits like mine came with old style U clamps that suck)
Replacing front grill with newer version that's symmetrical on top (early versions like mine had a raised eyebrow on the drivers side)
New Dynamat / Dynaliner / Carpet
Most all the fabrication / painting is done and have been re assembling
In the spirit of full disclosure, I had updated a the coolant lines a few years ago. Not that the was a problem with the copper tubing though, I wanted a more efficient cooling system so I completely redesigned it using AN hose and now it pulls from both the front and back of the heads.
Sure, works just fine. I even powder coated mine. It comes in handy if you have restrictions on space or odd connections to make. The trick is to take a slice of tubing like 3/16" thick or so and make a slice through one side so you can expand it and slide it over the end where you are going to put a hose and solder the ring on. That will give you a nice step so the hose and clamp can't slide off.
I've used copper on all kinds of heavy equipment, trucks, and occasional field expedient hose repairs. I have used bead rollers to help the hose seal. I've also flared it and used various bite type fittings. Never had work hardening problems in case someone has material concerns. Obviously one end needs to have rubber flex for the appropriate application. FWIW many Truck applications use copper tubing in multiple places. With higher pressure and temperature than the typical automotive radiator which is often made from copper also. Copper is great for nickel and chrome coating also. Copper is great for the steam punk look also. Not sure what the definition of a real old car is, but I have worked on original antique cars with lots of copper tubing.