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  • Guest

    ELECTRIC FAN VS SHROUD

    I've been reading your comments on the fan shroud for the 1960 thunderbirds. I've spoken to several members of our car club and I've gotten as many different responses. There are times when we get into slow traffic. The tempeture rises during these times. We are located on the gulf coast so it's hot most of the time. Would adding the shroud allow the fan to cool the radiator in slow traffic, or whould the electric fan be better. I have already converted to an alternator so that part is done. One says that the electric fan is the best way, the other says that he knows the fan is turning as long as the engine is running, doesn't trust electric fans. My question is: Would adding the shroud increase the flow of air over the radiator at idle speed in bumper to bumper traffic enough to keep the tempeture normal? (The cooling system is in excelent condition) The average ambiant tempature here during the summer is 90 to 95 degrees at 100 percent humity.
  • Guest

    #2
    RE: ELECTRIC FAN VS SHROUD

    Sounds like Florida.

    Comment

    • Alexander
      Webmaster
      • Oct 30 2002
      • 3321

      #3
      RE: ELECTRIC FAN VS SHROUD

      The shroud will add efficiency. In really slow traffic in hot weather the electric fan option will probably best.

      If you have a non-A/C car you can try a cheaper alternative first to getting your car to run cooler. That four blade fan was cheap to make, but is not efficient at all. You can get a 5 or 6 blade Ford fan that is available from several Thunderbird retailers. I know one Squarebirder who did that and it solved his cooling troubles.

      Alexander
      1959 Hardtop
      1960 Golde Top
      Alexander
      1959 Hard Top
      1960 Golde Top
      sigpic

      Comment

      • 1960Bird
        Experienced
        • Dec 4 2002
        • 159

        #4
        RE: ELECTRIC FAN VS SHROUD

        If you go the electric fan route make sure that your alternator is big enough...a good fan may take up to 35 40 amps. I was going to get a SPAL dual 11 inch fans for the bird, almost perfect size for the radiator. It draws 37 Amps. SPAL said that my 63 amp alternator may not have enough output. If you are going to put in electric I think this is the best fan you can get and on the plus side the center of the fan will clear the Birds pulley OK. I never switched over, we had a cool summer and I have a six blade clutch fan. the car never got much over 190 degrees.

        Steve
        Cedar Rapids, Iowa
        1960 HT 390, Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake, Shorty Headers, 2-1/2" Exhaust and 3.70 Rear Gears
        390, Mild Cam, Headers, 3.70 rear, 2-1/2" Exhaust, Edelbrok Performer RPM Intake, Holley Street Avenger 670 Carburetor, One Wire Alt, Petronix Ignition. She's All Go and No Show.

        Comment

        • Guest

          #5
          RE: ELECTRIC FAN VS SHROUD

          Thanks for the info. The car does have a/c and the alternator is 60-65 amp, I don't remember exactly. I'll have to think about if I want to get into another alternator. If I were to put on a 5 or 6 blade fan, would I also have to add the shroud? Do you think that the new fan will move enough air without it? I guess I could experiment with it, but I really don't want to spend a bushle basket of money trying to find out what works best. I really appreciate your insight and I'll let you know what I decide. Thanks.

          Comment

          • Alexander
            Webmaster
            • Oct 30 2002
            • 3321

            #6
            RE: ELECTRIC FAN VS SHROUD

            You should have a 5 blade fan on from the factory if it has A/C. The shroud for the 1960 Ford which fits our Squarebirds with slight modification is being reproduced in fiberglass.

            Alexander
            1959 Hardtop
            1960 Golde Top
            Alexander
            1959 Hard Top
            1960 Golde Top
            sigpic

            Comment

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