[hddude]

on another thread, "aluminum radiator on e-bay", there was a little discussion about the "hood baffle". where exactly was it cut out. i guess for the radiator cap? i did`nt know there were different ones. or are there?

 

[Rick_L]

On a 55-56 6 cylinder radiator, the inlet where the top hose goes is centered on the radiator and the hose barb runs horizontal.

On a 57 6 cylinder radiator, the inlet where the top hose goes is offset to one side slightly and the hose barb runs at an upward angle from the radiator tank. This is because the 57 hood is a bit lower than on a 55-56.

The baffle has a cutout in it for the hose to pass through.

So you can't swap 6 cylinder radiators directly from a 55-56 to a 57, or the other way, without having interference between the upper radiator hose and the baffle.

Someone posted a photo that showed that a couple of weeks ago.

 

[chevman57]

The baffle was cut out on the right side when looking at it for the 6cyl radiator upper hose.
Terry

 

[hddude]

so on each specific year, the baffles are the same?

 

[Pops @ Tri-5.com]

55/56 cut out in the center....57 cut out to the driver's side.

 

[hwarner]

So a downflow V8 radiator in the V8 position is the same as a 6 cyl radiator in the 6 cyl position as far as the hood baffle is concerned?

 

[Chevynut]

This is because the 57 hood is a bit lower than on a 55-56.

"A bit" is more like 2" lower!!

So you can't swap 6 cylinder radiators directly from a 55-56 to a 57, or the other way, without having interference between the upper radiator hose and the baffle.

All 3 hoods are different so you can't swap them from year to year anyhow.

 

[carls 56 R.I.P 11/24/2021]

my 56 the baffle is in the 6cyl position. 55 8cyl position. both original baffles.

 

[Pops @ Tri-5.com]

ALL 55/56 have a cut out in the center of the baffle whether they oririginally came with a 6 or V8....See link:http://www.trifive.com/garage/55 Chevy Assembly Manual/11-21.gif ALL 57's have a cut out to the left of center, whether they were originally 6 or V8 equipped.....See link:http://www.trifive.com/garage/57 Chevy Assembly Manual/11-10.gif

 

[Rick_L]

V8 radiators and hoses aren't going to interfere with ANY hood baffles, so they aren't a problem.

Likewise, a crossflow radiator installed in front of the radiator support is not going to have a problem either, since the hose isn't going to pass above the support.

I filled the cutout in my baffle so it could do a better job of "baffling".

 

[Pops @ Tri-5.com]

Just as a point of interest (or not) The '57 283 HP Fuelie engines had an additional cut out on the driver's side for the air intake....See link:http://www.trifive.com/garage/57 Chevy Assembly Manual/578-2-02.gif

 

[belairrudy]

V8 radiators and hoses aren't going to interfere with ANY hood baffles, so they aren't a problem.

Likewise, a crossflow radiator installed in front of the radiator support is not going to have a problem either, since the hose isn't going to pass above the support.

I filled the cutout in my baffle so it could do a better job of "baffling".

Actually Rick there is a problem... I am moving my V8 radiator out to the 6cyl position in my '57. So now the baffle is going to hit the upper radiator hose.

 

[Pops @ Tri-5.com]

Good point Belair.....Although I'm sure Rick meant, when they are in their original position.....Now you have two choices.......Either modify your baffle for the radiator hose clearance or buy a 6 cyl radiator.

 

[Rick_L]

"Actually Rick there is a problem... I am moving my V8 radiator out to the 6cyl position in my '57. So now the baffle is going to hit the upper radiator hose."

A problem you created. And it's essentially the same as trying to use a 55-56 6 cylinder radiator in a 57.

My advice: tin snips, a saw, and a welder. Maybe some bondo and primer surfacer.

 

[belairrudy]

Good point Belair....Now you have two choices.....Either modify your baffle for the radiator hose clearance or buy a 6 cyl radiator.

Well Dave... :confused0006: I think I will go with modify my baffle. Because I just bought my new aluminum radiator. Wasn't thinking about the baffle... otherwise I would have went with the 6cyl radiator.

 

[Pops @ Tri-5.com]

Well Dave... :confused0006: I think I will go with modify my baffle. Because I just bought my new aluminum radiator. Wasn't thinking about the baffle... otherwise I would have went with the 6cyl radiator.

No doubt that will be your cheapest/easiest way out....Good luck on the project....Send us photos

 

[Tim56]

I moved the cut out in my 56 baffle from its stock central position to suit an offset radiator outlet.

 

[ab4op]

Tim56, nice job on moving the cutout!

 

[henrys57wagon]

I used part of the lower rad baffle and added it to the upper baffle for hose clearance. Some day I will fill in the 6 cyl hose slot, good day.