VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc 1948 Fleetmaster Harrison radiator

The radiator in my 48 has a leak at the top tank to core joint, so when I spotted another radiator (with no stains from leaks visible on the core) for sale locally I bought it. There is a big difference in how this newly acquired radiator mounts to the core support. After searching the Harrison numbers on this site, I learned the original radiator #3115954 is a 1942-1947 radiator which is stamped 47L on the top tank left side, its mounting flanges are on the engine side, and has a drain cock under the outlet. The "new" radiator #3121096 is a 1948 and stamped 48J, its mounting flanges are on the grill side, and has no drain cock.
Can the core support be unbolted and flipped 180 degrees to accept the grill side mounting flanges of the 48J radiator ?
Was this change in mounting flanges some mid year change in 1948 ? WTF was going on at the Chevrolet assembly plants at this time ? I thought 1947 and 48 were virtually identical except for the "T" on a 48 grill. Are there any more surprises that I need to know about before installing this new radiator ?
Kevin

I have never heard of that problem before. The 1948 radiator was a direct replacement for the 1942-1947. The only difference being the top tank was revised (and number) as a 1948 tank was changed for the use of a pressure cap and a pressure cap will not work on a 1947 and prior, Pet cock was not changed.

I would guess the 1947 radiator you bought had been modified for use with a later V-8 engine.

Actually there were a number of canges made in a 1948 engine such as valve seals . main bearings, crankshaft. connecting rods, and bearing babbitt thickness.

My '48 has #3121096 and the flange is on the engine side. Have no idea why the one you bought is different.