49 Chevy 3600 216 to 261 Radiator work
 

Guys
putting a 261 in my 49 Chevy 3600. I have run into some radiator clearance issues.

1. I am using the short shaft water pump.
2. I am using the 1962 Fan. it bolts right up but had to use spacing washers to bring it out past the harmonic pulley. not quite an 1/8.

In doing the above I now the fan is right up against the original 49 radiator in the factory mounting position. I moved the radiator forward to the opposite side of the factory location I have clearance. BUT

With the 1962 fan now there is no clearance in the lower radiator outlet. I have almost 1/4 inch clearance from the tip of the fan blade to the outlet neck. Not enough room for the hose.

Any advice?

Thoughts I have is to:
- Have the radiator shop extend the neck past the fan to allow for hose fitting.
- Nip off a little off each fan blade.
- Offset the radiator to the passenger side to gain space. This would require taking a 1/4 inch off the passenger side of the radiator flange.

Re: 49 Chevy 3600 216 to 261 Radiator work
 

I have a similar problem. I'm going with electric fans.

I think there have been some guys who had their radiator outlet cut and welded back on at an angle if yours is straight that might work.

Re: 49 Chevy 3600 216 to 261 Radiator work
 

Thanks. Please share the fan system you get and how you wired it.