VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 Fan-Radiator Spacing

I'm posting this for my father who is in Florida right now visiting my grandfather.. .

As I write this, they are looking at the spacing between his fan and the radiator on his 1954 Chevy, and it is way to close for comfort. What is the correct distance, or is it is supposed to be this close?

Gene and Chip, you've already bailed me out once today, can you do it again??

There should be enough space to get your fingers between the radiator and the fan blades....I have "slender" fingers.

At least the first joint of my index finger...just over 1/2"

John,
As long as the fan does not touch it is okay. Just remember as the speed increases and decreases the blades will flex a little. The flexing is mainly toward flattening the pitch on the blades so the 1/2" given by Gene is plenty. That is until the front bushing or the pulley on the water pump gives way. Then it is too close.

On the other hand the closer to the core the more air the fan will draw particularly at slower speeds.

Hey guys,
thanks for answering this, and John III thanks for posting the question, I found a computer so I can contribute. The shaft for his power steering pump (rare car it has windows and no seat) has to be only about 1/4 away from the core, the fan is even closer. It just seems way to close to me. I will go tomorrow and measure the exact distance. He has had no problem so maybe I should just let it go but he enjoys it and is slowing down a bit now and I want to make sure it is good for him for the summer after I leave. John III see your future?
Thanks again
John Jr

I am back home from FLA. Here's the scoop, I am lucky my Dad has the 54 in question, along with a real nice 53 150 two door sedan and another 54 Belair with power steering parts car/project car (when he decides to sell it I will let everyone know). I checked every demension, and what I found is that the entire drivetrain is about 1/2 forward! I measured the back of the engine to the firewall and I also did a ball park measurement on the wheelbase to confirm. This car was restored sometime ago, at least 20 years. It was purchased by a past member of the Long Island Region because he wanted something a little more modern than his 32. He passed away about ten years ago and his wife sold the car. The car surfaced again about three years ago, my father heard it was for sale and I looked at it for him and noticed it was the same car. He purchased the car and had no problems, but did notice the above problem and asked me to look at it when I was visiting. I doubt there is an easy fix, my answer to him is to enjoy it
John

John,
I agree if it has survived 10 years that way, why not another 10 or more?