rad location idea

tsx080 · Initiate Jedi Joined: 11 Nov 2006 Posts: 33

i have a bay window van and i have been looking for a decent rad location i have the radiator from a 3.5l bmw and was thinking about getting one of those side vent panals from the back of a type1 putting it in the side of the t2 and mounting the radiator against it so that air is drawn thro the rad and out the vent in the side. the van is gonna be used on some pretty bad roads so mounting underneath isnt an option any comments or suggestions welcomed. i also just realised the rad has a built in oil cooler for an auto gearbox, would it be worth pluming the engine oil thro this to reduce oil temps?

famous phil · Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 9:20 pm Post subject:

i like the oil cooler idea

, as for not fitting underneath
one of my caravelles has a wheelchair lift , this looks very low ,but does not cause any bother on farm tracks or speed humps

_________________
Auto Union Munga Jeep ,T4 2.4td , T4 2.5tdi ,Mercedes S Class on LPG , 66 splity deluxe , GP mk1, 3 type 25s 1 with 1.9dt pug engine + 1 with N/A pug engine ,,there are 6 t25s with pug power in Darlington

sven · Jedi Guardian Joined: 27 Dec 2006 Posts: 814

I'm doing a conversion right now and have some ideas where to put the rad, and one of them is sidemount with opened vents. As long as the radiator is tightened so the air can't flow around but have to pass through it, I think it would be a great mount.
The other idea I have is a rear mount and then lead air from underneath in to the rad with big pipes.
I didn't come up with these ideas, side and rear mounts are pretty common. But no one seems to force air through the rad's correctly. Take a look at a tourist class buss and you'll get som ideas right away. Happy

Regards,
Sven

roadcow · Force Sensitive Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 11

Mine is on top and work great. It requires some fab work and everyone thinks it's an Airconditioner.

www.roadcow.com

jp · Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 11:28 pm Post subject:

The roadcow rules.. your bus brings a Grin

to my face.

Top site you have there with some really useful stuff on it

I think one of the guys off here (Tom) is going for a on roof set up and will be pleased to hear you're using yours to good effect.

take it easy
Wink

_________________
1971 Devon Bay with 1800 Ford Turbo Diesel Engine (wip)
1983 VW Golf GTI Campaign
1979 Mini 1275 GT
2013 Scirocco TDI GT

roadcow · Force Sensitive Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 11

Thanks JP great and helpful site. I was told about it since I'm thinking of a Subie repower.

72panelvan · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 7:48 pm Post subject:

The roadcow! yeah I'll get some photo's up as I'm doing it exactly the same. With your rad setup did you have an expansion tank? did you locate it higher than the rad? Also, I guess it's a different engine, but I've been advised that the water pump probably won't have the guts to get the water up there - you have any difficulty?

Tom

roadcow · Force Sensitive Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 11

Hi Tom,
I just have an overflow bottle which came off of the Fiero. I have no Vanagon/T-25 bleeding the rad. issues since it's the hightest point in the system. I overcool the 1770cc Toyota engine ( tested with thermostat out and it never came up over 140 degrees F) so I am confident I could go Subaru, or Diesel with no mods to my cooling set up. My only concern is the 3.3 meter height restrictions on the Beach access in the UK No water pump issues at all I even run a T-25 back seat heater mounted under the jump seat of the 71 Westy with no problems.

72panelvan · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 9:41 pm Post subject:

Stunning! I hope my set up can achieve something similar - although I'd bet against as the rad I'm using isn't as fit for purpose as the fiero one you described in another thread.

Like wise, I tried to make the bottle the highest point too which involved the cap poking out the top slightly! but that doubles up as providing better access. Could you post up some pics of the copper piping you routed up to it at some point?

Cheers

tom