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Coolant recovery tank...any suggestions for a custom C1.

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Old 02-09-2016, 04:17 AM
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Stan's Customs
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Default Coolant recovery tank...any suggestions for a custom C1.

I'm using a Be Cool polished radiator and a big Spal fan....and am looking at recovery tanks. I prefer those that the fluid level can be checked ...which leaves out most polished aluminum tanks. However they may be the best choice anyway.

Those that have added aftermarket recovery tanks ...what did you use and where did you mount it?

Thanks...Stan
Old 02-09-2016, 05:53 AM
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cbernhardt
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Here is one that I built for my wife's '62, mounted under the passenger side fender. The battery is in the trunk. No need to check the level in the tank as it only fills when the coolant in the radiator expands.
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Last edited by cbernhardt; 02-09-2016 at 05:56 AM.
Old 02-09-2016, 08:51 AM
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Here is what I got for my 1960 with a LS2. It was $93 chrome. I don't have the brand but could get it. I still need to make a bracket and change the hose. Kevin



Old 02-09-2016, 09:21 AM
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I made one of the cylindrical tanks for the '62 also (picture below). I would not call it a "catch tank" because, at least on my system, the coolant in the upright cylindrical tank stays at the same level as the radiator. If the radiator is full and the coolant gets hot enough to expand it will overflow from the cylindrical tank and, over time, the coolant level in the radiator will decrease. On my car the coolant level would finally stabilize at about 3" below the top of the radiator. The reason I made the other tank was that I could mount it higher than the top of the radiator so, when the coolant expands it flows into the tank, when the coolant cools off it flows back into the radiator.

I still have the upright cylindrical tank attached to the radiator, and I use it to fill the radiator, but now my radiator stays full.
Charles
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Old 02-09-2016, 11:12 AM
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Thanks guys..

Charles...was your first tank return line attached to the bottom of the return tank ...and attached to the filler neck utilizing a a pressure cap? ...and was the tank vented?

Thanks...Stan
Old 02-09-2016, 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Stan's Customs
Charles...was your first tank return line attached to the bottom of the return tank ...and attached to the filler neck utilizing a a pressure cap? ...and was the tank vented?
Thanks...Stan
Here is a diagram of how I plumbed mine. Basically mine is used to fill the radiator, not as an actual overflow/catch tank. The coolant level in this tank is the same as the radiator. There is a pressure cap at the top of this tank and the "Overflow line" now runs to the (true) catch tank under the fender.
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Last edited by cbernhardt; 02-09-2016 at 12:25 PM.
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Old 02-09-2016, 12:53 PM
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I like to take one of my wife's big aluminum hair spray cans, remove the top spray mechanism, make a plug with 1 hole for a hose from the radiator overflow (the hose in to the bottom of the can) and 1 small hole a vent hose.
Polish the can and you have a pretty catch/overflow/recovery can.
Inexpensive and environmentally friendly.....

Last edited by ohiovet; 02-09-2016 at 12:58 PM. Reason: add info
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Old 02-09-2016, 02:26 PM
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I used a tank from Speedway Motors, and mounted it in a similar position to Bushpilot's. You can go to the photo in my profile and if you look hard you can see the top next to the radiator cap. I fabricated a bracket that mounts it to the radiator support. Here is a link to the Speedway catalog page:

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Search...ant%20recovery

I used either the 17 inch or 19 inch (can't remember) that are priced $34.99 and $39.99, respectively. They are stainelss and have a heavy screw-on cap. Has worked out very well for me.
160

Last edited by 1COOL60; 02-09-2016 at 02:34 PM. Reason: add link, more info.
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Old 02-09-2016, 03:29 PM
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On my '59, I used a 61-62 expansion tank from ZIP Corvette....

mounted on driver side to the exhaust manifold...
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Old 02-09-2016, 04:11 PM
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Stan is there any other reason other than viewing the coolant level for not using the expansion tank? Because they can be polished to look nice. You might look for an overflow tank at Speedway. They always have cool parts for street rods.
Old 02-09-2016, 05:33 PM
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Originally Posted by C-1 Generation 2
Stan is there any other reason other than viewing the coolant level for not using the expansion tank? Because they can be polished to look nice. You might look for an overflow tank at Speedway. They always have cool parts for street rods.
Hi Richard..

Nothing chiseled in stone ...I'm just trying to limit the clutter under the hood.

I've slicked the firewall, and relocated the wiper motor under the dash, routed the A/C lines thru the fender well panel and then back to the firewall, etc., Then everything is painted metallic silver in the engine compartment like the body exterior, except for chrome an black trim parts.

Also, I like the idea of air coming in under the hood thru the large holes left and right of the radiator to help ventilate the engine compartment during hot weather. Many of the tanks would limit the air flow of one or other of those holes...because there really isn't another place to mount them.

None of my thoughts are iron clad...just what I was hoping to manage. ...

Stan
Old 02-09-2016, 06:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Stan's Customs
Hi Richard..

Nothing chiseled in stone ...I'm just trying to limit the clutter under the hood.

I've slicked the firewall, and relocated the wiper motor under the dash, routed the A/C lines thru the fender well panel and then back to the firewall, etc., Then everything is painted metallic silver in the engine compartment like the body exterior, except for chrome an black trim parts.

Also, I like the idea of air coming in under the hood thru the large holes left and right of the radiator to help ventilate the engine compartment during hot weather. Many of the tanks would limit the air flow of one or other of those holes...because there really isn't another place to mount them.

None of my thoughts are iron clad...just what I was hoping to manage. ...

Stan
Sounds like everything was well thought out.
I did see this one on Summit's. Looks like it has tube where you can view the level.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-63769/overview/
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Old 02-09-2016, 10:29 PM
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Here's what I went with

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...obalID=EBAY-US
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Old 02-11-2016, 04:50 PM
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Can't you run something like this?






Old 02-11-2016, 06:12 PM
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Perfect, overflow and recovery...
Old 02-11-2016, 06:19 PM
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Originally Posted by jimh_1962
Can't you run something like this?







I was going that route...but the Rainies System was a limited production item from the beginning... now they are getting very hard to find. LOL!

Stan...

Last edited by Stan's Customs; 02-11-2016 at 06:22 PM.
Old 02-13-2016, 01:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Stan's Customs
I'm using a Be Cool polished radiator and a big Spal fan....and am looking at recovery tanks. I prefer those that the fluid level can be checked ...which leaves out most polished aluminum tanks. However they may be the best choice anyway.

Those that have added aftermarket recovery tanks ...what did you use and where did you mount it?

Thanks...Stan
I also wanted to be able to view the level without removing the cap.
I have a hip looking stainless steel unit on my Chevelle SS454 and it is a pain always having to remove the cap just to check the coolant level.
I can't send you a photo because I am traveling but I went to the wrecking yard and picked up a clear plastic tank off a Toyota Tacoma pickup for two bucks.
A Forerunner has the same one.
There was some changes year to year but they were mostly the same.
I didn't want it too visible so I mounted it just above the front side of the battery to the inner fender with a single bolt.
Then I routed the hose behind the vent duct so it is not visible.
The whole thing is barely visible from the drivers side and only visible on the passenger side if look down at the battery BUT you can see the coolant level.
Two bucks go the the tank, cap, bracket, overflow hose and clamps.
If you want I can send you a photo when I get home.

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To Coolant recovery tank...any suggestions for a custom C1.

Old 02-13-2016, 01:24 AM
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Originally Posted by cannonsid
I also wanted to be able to view the level without removing the cap.
I have a hip looking stainless steel unit on my Chevelle SS454 and it is a pain always having to remove the cap just to check the coolant level.
I can't send you a photo because I am traveling but I went to the wrecking yard and picked up a clear plastic tank off a Toyota Tacoma pickup for two bucks.
A Forerunner has the same one.
There was some changes year to year but they were mostly the same.
I didn't want it too visible so I mounted it just above the front side of the battery to the inner fender with a single bolt.
Then I routed the hose behind the vent duct so it is not visible.
The whole thing is barely visible from the drivers side and only visible on the passenger side if look down at the battery BUT you can see the coolant level.
Two bucks go the the tank, cap, bracket, overflow hose and clamps.
If you want I can send you a photo when I get home.
Yes sir..I would like to see that, at your convenience...and thanks for offering.

Best regards..Stan
Old 02-16-2016, 01:21 AM
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Default Coolant Recovery Tank

Originally Posted by Stan's Customs
Yes sir..I would like to see that, at your convenience...and thanks for offering.

Best regards..Stan
Stan
The photos below show my Toyota Tacoma two buck coolant recovery tank on my 1958 290 hp Fuelie.
The first two photos show the tank.
The next two photos show the tank in place (no engine or air vent duct)
The next photo shows the tank with the air vent duct in place (no engine but that's another story).
The last photo is looking down from the passengers side.
I hope this gives you some ideas.
(The photos rotated with they were posted so turn your head..or your monitor)
Sid
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Old 02-16-2016, 09:47 AM
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Sid...

Very ingeniouis ...and looks great!

Thanks very much for going to the trouble to take pics for me....(and remembering to do it).

That tank fits very well by the battery doesn't it. I assume you run the overflow line behind the air duct to the radiator ...correct?

Best regards...Stan


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