1957 radiator overflow pipe -- mine is missing -- need help to make new one

[Peter R.]

Somewhere in the distant past my '57 lost its radiator overflow pipe (I learned this accidentally the other day after putting too much coolant in the radiator and after a short ride, the excess coolant overflowed into the engine compartment). I know from the judging manual that the overflow pipe is made from 1/4" steel tubing (I assume it is painted black like the radiator). I have a few non-ideal pictures of overflow pipes, so I know approximately what it looks like and where it goes. It appears to take a straight run from the radiator filler tube to the middle of the right side of the radiator and then straight down the side of the radiator to approximately the bottom of the bottom tank. I assume it is soldered into the overflow hole in the filler tube. Is it also spot-soldered to the top tank? If so, where? Is it secured to the radiator in any other locations? Where? How (soldered, bracket)? If anyone has pictures, I could use a semi-close-up of the overflow pipe from above the right side of the radiator.

Thanks,

Pete

[Gary C.]

Re: 1957 radiator overflow pipe -- mine is missing -- need help to make new one

Pete,

Tom DeWitt 517-548-0600 makes replacement overflow pipes. They are not spot soldered to the top of the tank. It's secured on the passenger side of the radiator. Don't recall particularly how it's secured; with a tab or soldered? Sorry couldn't find any good photos on how the tube attaches.

Gary
....

[Peter R.]

Re: 1957 radiator overflow pipe -- mine is missing -- need help to make new one

Thank you, Gary. I just called DeWitt's and ordered one. I was told that the pipe attaches to the radiator with a clip, presumably as you said, somewhere on the passenger side of the radiator. I'm still hoping someone can tell me more accurately where that clip attaches to the radiator.

Pete

[Rod K.]

Re: 1957 radiator overflow pipe -- mine is missing -- need help to make new one

There is a 1/4 inch dia hole about 1-1/2 inch from the bottom right side of the rad frame into which a tab on the clip fits.

[Peter R.]

Re: 1957 radiator overflow pipe -- mine is missing -- need help to make new one

Thanks, Rod. I'll have to look at that location on my radiator. With any luck, the clip might still be there.

Pete

[Rod K.]

Re: 1957 radiator overflow pipe -- mine is missing -- need help to make new one

Can anyone confirm the overflow pipe should be 1/4" OD steel as stated in the JG? I had my rad "restored" several years ago and it has a 3/8" OD copper pipe. I don't know whether it was replaced or not, but the hole in the filler neck is an extruded 5/16" dia as are a couple of spare tanks I have. This would fit the ID of a 3/8 tube. No indication they've been altered and that would be too big to fit a 1/4" OD tube. Any help would be appreciated.

[Peter R.]

Re: 1957 radiator overflow pipe -- mine is missing -- need help to make new one

Hi Rod,
The judging manual doesn't say 1/4" OD; rather it says "A 1/4" overflow steel tube...." I believe tubing as used for brake lines, fuel lines, and in this case, overflow tubes is sized by its ID. On my car, steel tubing with 1/4" ID fits perfectly into the overflow hole in the radiator filler tube. The tubing is commonly sold in auto parts stores for use as fuel line, brake line, etc.

Pete

[Rod K.]

Re: 1957 radiator overflow pipe -- mine is missing -- need help to make new one

Thanks, Peter. I should have known that.