Coolant overflow tanks? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

maxdog51 · 05-26-2014, 02:46 PM

What one is a good fit for 47-54 radiator?
What coolant overflow tank are you using?
How about some pics?

Thanks,
Frank

dubie · 05-26-2014, 03:18 PM

I'm using a 800ml Rockstar energy drink can mounted inside a BMX water bottle holder

**mr48chev** · 05-26-2014, 03:39 PM

I used to have one of those plastic aftermarket ones from the parts house but I think this time I'll have my son weld me one up out of a piece of scrap stainless tubing. I might even use a piece of 2 inch exhaust pipe and paint it black to hide it a bit.

capnduane · 05-26-2014, 04:00 PM

Using the plain looking, plastic, aftermarket one. Would like to fit a cool aluminum tube one, but really like to be able to check my coolant level at a glance when I open the hood.

BlueJeep · 05-26-2014, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capnduane

Using the plain looking, plastic, aftermarket one. Would like to fit a cool aluminum tube one, but really like to be able to check my coolant level at a glance when I open the hood.

This is exactly why I'm going to use a plastic one. I have several, none of which fit like I'd like them to. But, I haven't made it to a pick-and-pull recently and I know that there's one out there for me!

**joedoh** · 05-26-2014, 06:08 PM

I am going to use the original one on the firewall, and see how it works.

_Ogre · 05-26-2014, 07:06 PM

in my 58 i have a piece of 304 stainless exhaust tube capped on the ends
3/8'' ss half couple welded in for a hose barb.
couple of tabs to screw it to the inner fender.
end caps are cut out of flattened tube.
works, holds enough

polished it and then hid it under my radiator cover

msaintg · 05-26-2014, 09:51 PM

for almost the same price as the cheap plastic ones (that don't really fit), I found this on Ebay. It worked perfect...

solidaxel · 05-31-2014, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msaintg

for almost the same price as the cheap plastic ones (that don't really fit), I found this on Ebay. It worked perfect...

Those are the ones I use on my A D's.

Lextech · 05-31-2014, 03:04 PM

[QUOTE=_Ogre;6693985]

Ogre, I'm not really sure that is functional. It probably has 90% air in it and acts as an expansion tank. I would think that coolant will push into it but only by the amount that the air in the tank compresses.

Jeff

_Ogre · 06-01-2014, 12:45 PM

[quote=Lextech;6700741]

Quote:

Originally Posted by _Ogre

Ogre, I'm not really sure that is functional. It probably has 90% air in it and acts as an expansion tank. I would think that coolant will push into it but only by the amount that the air in the tank compresses.

Jeff

the vent tube is visible on the bottom of the tank.
13'' long tank, 16'' long vent tube.
angle cut and stuck in to the top of the tank
then bent to avoid spewing on the frame

Stepside Jim · 06-01-2014, 04:05 PM

[quote=_Ogre;6701803]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lextech

the vent tube is visible on the bottom of the tank.
13'' long tank, 16'' long vent tube.
angle cut and stuck in to the top of the tank
then bent to avoid spewing on the frame

I see it....

Lextech · 06-01-2014, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _Ogre

The vent tube is visible on the bottom of the tank.
13'' long tank, 16'' long vent tube.
Angle cut and stuck in to the top of the tank
then bent to avoid spewing on the frame

Aahhh---Good Deal. I see it now.

Jeff

maxdog51 · 05-28-2014, 07:46 AM

Great suggestions!
Thanks for the pics also.
I do like the idea that a plastic one will allow me to see the level at a glance.

YahamaR1 · 05-29-2014, 09:26 AM

Got this one from BrothersTrucks.

klutz51 · 05-29-2014, 10:52 AM

if you are using a aftermarket radiator like i am, and running a external trans cooler, you can use the unused trans cooler in the radiator. seen that and it looke really clean.

Russell Ashley · 05-30-2014, 08:15 AM

Not sure there's room for this in an AD but here's mine. I got it at Pull-A-Part out of a Ford van for $4. It met my requirements of cheap, easy to mount, visible water level, and left room for the A/C hoses below it. Not show but then nothing else about my truck is either, LOL.

roger55 · 05-30-2014, 11:55 AM

You need an overflow tank with a crossflow radiator but why use one on a downflow at all? Just keep the water level about at an inch down from the cap. The only time it would spew water would be in an overheat situation. I'm just going to run a tube down the side and call it good.

**mr48chev** · 05-31-2014, 07:45 PM

They do have to vent to work right.
I'm going to run one simply because there is a chance that it might build up enough pressure in slow traffic like being in line to get into an event and puke and on mine that ends up coming right up through the louvers even when the hose is on it right and shoots down towards the ground.

S10Fan · 05-31-2014, 07:48 PM

Here's mine, and yes, it does work properly, I can see the fluid going back into the radiator as things cool off.

capnduane · 06-01-2014, 12:16 AM

Don't mess with my PBR..... Gotta love it!

S10Fan · 06-01-2014, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capnduane

Don't mess with my PBR..... Gotta love it!

Thanks, I have a co-worker that keeps me supplied with "Coolant Overflow Tanks". LOL

DransportGarage · 06-01-2014, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S10Fan

Thanks, I have a co-worker that keeps me supplied with "Coolant Overflow Tanks". LOL

I manufacture my own. I can make 3 or 4 a day

...

05-26-2014, 02:46 PM	#1
maxdog51 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Chicago, IL. Posts: 105	Coolant overflow tanks? What one is a good fit for 47-54 radiator? What coolant overflow tank are you using? How about some pics? Thanks, Frank

05-26-2014, 03:18 PM	#2
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,853	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? I'm using a 800ml Rockstar energy drink can mounted inside a BMX water bottle holder __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

05-26-2014, 03:39 PM	#3
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,711	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? I used to have one of those plastic aftermarket ones from the parts house but I think this time I'll have my son weld me one up out of a piece of scrap stainless tubing. I might even use a piece of 2 inch exhaust pipe and paint it black to hide it a bit. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

05-26-2014, 04:00 PM	#4
capnduane Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Moreno Valley, Calif. Posts: 244	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? Using the plain looking, plastic, aftermarket one. Would like to fit a cool aluminum tube one, but really like to be able to check my coolant level at a glance when I open the hood. Attached Images __________________ '55 Chevy 1/2ton pickup w/ Pontiac 350 and Muncie M21 close ratio 4speed "Red Ryder"

05-26-2014, 06:08 PM	#6
joedoh Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Doodah Kansas Posts: 7,774	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? I am going to use the original one on the firewall, and see how it works. __________________ the mass of men live lives of quiet desperation if there is a problem, I can have it. new project WAYNE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=844393

05-26-2014, 07:06 PM	#7
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,680	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? in my 58 i have a piece of 304 stainless exhaust tube capped on the ends 3/8'' ss half couple welded in for a hose barb. couple of tabs to screw it to the inner fender. end caps are cut out of flattened tube. works, holds enough polished it and then hid it under my radiator cover __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

05-26-2014, 09:51 PM	#8
msaintg Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gilbert, Arizona Posts: 454	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? for almost the same price as the cheap plastic ones (that don't really fit), I found this on Ebay. It worked perfect... Attached Images __________________ Mike http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=526387

05-31-2014, 03:04 PM	#10
Lextech Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oak Forest, Ill. Posts: 194	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? [QUOTE=_Ogre;6693985] Ogre, I'm not really sure that is functional. It probably has 90% air in it and acts as an expansion tank. I would think that coolant will push into it but only by the amount that the air in the tank compresses. Jeff

05-28-2014, 07:46 AM	#14
maxdog51 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Chicago, IL. Posts: 105	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? Great suggestions! Thanks for the pics also. I do like the idea that a plastic one will allow me to see the level at a glance.

05-29-2014, 09:26 AM	#15
YahamaR1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 547	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? Got this one from BrothersTrucks. __________________ My chevy 51...... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=541148 www.knutselracing.nl

05-29-2014, 10:52 AM	#16
klutz51 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: colorado Posts: 114	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? if you are using a aftermarket radiator like i am, and running a external trans cooler, you can use the unused trans cooler in the radiator. seen that and it looke really clean.

05-30-2014, 08:15 AM	#17
Russell Ashley Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 2,648	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? Not sure there's room for this in an AD but here's mine. I got it at Pull-A-Part out of a Ford van for $4. It met my requirements of cheap, easy to mount, visible water level, and left room for the A/C hoses below it. Not show but then nothing else about my truck is either, LOL. Attached Images

05-30-2014, 11:55 AM	#18
roger55 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: San Angelo, Tx Posts: 1,068	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? You need an overflow tank with a crossflow radiator but why use one on a downflow at all? Just keep the water level about at an inch down from the cap. The only time it would spew water would be in an overheat situation. I'm just going to run a tube down the side and call it good. __________________ *'57 3200 Build Thread* *My Gas Station Themed Workshop*

05-31-2014, 07:45 PM	#19
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,711	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? They do have to vent to work right. I'm going to run one simply because there is a chance that it might build up enough pressure in slow traffic like being in line to get into an event and puke and on mine that ends up coming right up through the louvers even when the hose is on it right and shoots down towards the ground. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

05-31-2014, 07:48 PM	#20
S10Fan Old Heap Driver Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Newport News, Va Posts: 2,642	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? Here's mine, and yes, it does work properly, I can see the fluid going back into the radiator as things cool off. Attached Images __________________ _____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver.



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06-01-2014, 12:16 AM	#21
capnduane Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Moreno Valley, Calif. Posts: 244	Re: Coolant overflow tanks? Don't mess with my PBR..... Gotta love it! __________________ '55 Chevy 1/2ton pickup w/ Pontiac 350 and Muncie M21 close ratio 4speed "Red Ryder"

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.