Radiator overflow tube rubbing on center hood section structure ('51 B-3-B)

[ktb]

Has anyone else had this problem?  I was wondering if it was a too-tall replacement radiator, but the part number I see on the rear of the tank is 1272446 D, which should be original (upon reviewing JBNeal's excellent radiator ID topic):

https://p15-d24.com/topic/51765-radiator-identification-for-non-pressurized-systems/

 

So I'm wondering what caused the rubbing...  Center hood section squashing/sagging? 

 

Any ideas on re-routing the overflow tube?  Bending/notching the center hood structure?  Mounting the rad lower? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited Tuesday at 08:59 PM by ktb

[Lingle]

looks like the hood is slightly bent, in the first photo right above where the hood touches the overflow, and of the two hoods I have, both have tears in that area where it transitions.  if the gap between the front of the hood to fender vs. rear of hood is vastly different, that may indicate a bend.

[ktb]

42 minutes ago, Lingle said:

looks like the hood is slightly bent, in the first photo right above where the hood touches the overflow, and of the two hoods I have, both have tears in that area where it transitions.  if the gap between the front of the hood to fender vs. rear of hood is vastly different, that may indicate a bend.

 

Thanks Lingle, I think you are right. Looking at my removed hood again, I see hairline vertical tears starting on both sides where  the stationary center section meets the pivoting part of the two outer hood lids in front above the radiator. This does seem like a flimsy/weak/stressed part of the center section.
 

I guess for now I’ll try to shore up that area with a piece of wood or something, but I think eventually it will need some added metal supports or braces across the underside of the front center section. 
 

Did your radiator overflow tube rub through as well?
 

 

 

[ggdad1951]

yep you found the cracks....pretty common on these guys.

[JBNeal]

Back in the day, ppl would climb all over these buggies while they were a-raisin he11...these flimsy hoods getting tweaked does not surprise me.

 

 

Until ya get that flathead purring, you could probably roll up a hand towel and place it between the rad and hood...that'll get any squeaking to simmer down a tad.

Edited Wednesday at 02:06 PM by JBNeal

[Lingle]

luckily no my first set of front sheetmetal didnt show any damage to the radiator but the hood was cracked worse than the replacement I got.  I ended up getting a custom made aluminum radiator from DCM as I was worried about cooling capacity of my transplanted diesel engine, but I likely could have kept the radiator.  keep up the good job thus far!

[Dodgeb4ya]

Yep.....people love to climb all over Dodge trucks..

I have a Dodge truck service bulletin on the 2-3/4 to 3-1/2  ton trucks that do have interference of the hood to overflow tube. 

[Young Ed]

Yup don't know anyone who would sit on a truck......

 

 

 

[Dave72dt]

The front mounting points of the center section have slots in them.  Loosen the bolts and pulling up may get it away from the overflow tube. Those stress cracks are really common, metal is thin and weak and difficult to repair with any kind of strength.