They weren't pressure systems. Just fill it to cover the core. If it comes out the overflow when hot you put too much in.

@hoseman-2 I like to fill about half of the top tank. You can tell when a system is supposed to be pressurized by lookin in the neck for a seat for the spring loaded rubber seal you mentioned.

Sounds like a cool truck. Got any pictures? Where are you located and where does the truck come from?

Mike

@tiny there is no overflow............i can't figure out how to add pics to this post......not very user friendly.

@35mike there is no top tank....i can't figure this page out so i can add pics.....not very user friendly.

Posted by: @hoseman-2

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@tiny there is no overflow............i can't figure out how to add pics to this post......not very user friendly.

They all have an overflow, there's just no catch bottle. It was on the radius of the top tank on my 38. You can see it at the far left of the image below, just off of the cap. You'll be able to post pictures after you get 5 approved posts. Limiting new users' abilities and requiring them to get their first 5 posts reviewed and approved by a Moderator is our way of stopping spammers. After you get your 5 just click on the Attach Files link below the text box and follow the instructions.

@hoseman-2 You are absolutely correct that this site is not user friendly. In fact, I would go so far as to say it sucks. However, those of us who participate are very user friendly so hang in there with us. We are glad to have you aboard.

The "top tank" is the top of your radiator where the fill spout and upper hose enters. 

The reason I asked where your truck came from is that I sold NOS rear fenders for a GMC panel, to a fellow in Southern Illinois. I was just wondering if it was the same truck.

Mike

I am in Southern GA.. The truck originally came from N.Y. State. It has not been restored at all from what i can see. Upgraded to 12 volt with some led lighting but pretty much original. Are you agreeing with the answer about a non-pressurized cooling system? This site sells a pressurized radiator cap for '36-'51 trucks. should there be a pressurized cap on this system. As far as the top tank goes, this has a 90 deg. piece of pipe that goes from the fill cap about 4 inches to a bolted flange connection, then about 2 more inches into the top of the radiator. The site is telling me i don't have enough posts so my user group cannot attach files or i would show some pics. The Shop manual is on the way in the mail, so i hope that it is full of useful info.

@tiny my fill is not on the top of the radiator, there is about a 6 inch flanged connection that puts the fill cap inside of the engine compartment with access by opening the passenger side of the engine hood.

Posted by: @hoseman-2

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@tiny my fill is not on the top of the radiator, there is about a 6 inch flanged connection that puts the fill cap inside of the engine compartment with access by opening the passenger side of the engine hood.

It came from the factory without a pressurized cooling system. We would be interested in seeing your setup. See if you can post photos now. Click on the Attach Files link below the reply box and follow the instructions. I'm going to move the thread to a technical forum. This forum is for idle chit-chat.

@hoseman-2 I have a 1939 Chevy truck and the radiator is much different than what you are describing. I hope you can post some pictures.

Mike

TINY, Yes, that is the set up i have.........do you use a pressurized cap on your system? The catalog for this site says '36-'39 uses a 4 lb. pressurized radiator cap? But others, as you can read in this thread say the cooling system came from the factory without a pressurized cap. I bought the factory service manual and it has nothing about the cooling system being pressurized

35Mike, i am still not allowed to attach files in this forum.....it says i have not reached the minimum number of posts required....pretty lame, but not my rules

@hoseman-2 I don't know what "catalog" you're referring to. I've never seen a VCCA parts catalog. A link would help us understand. I assume the listing you're referring to is based on the shape of the cap fitting the radiator snout rather than it being correct to the OE design. <THIS IS THE CAP SOLD BY THE FILLING STATION FOR A 1939 TRUCK> Note it's not pressurized.

The restriction of site privileges, which includes posting images, is our way of stopping spammers. Nearly all spammers are hit & run and won't hang around long enough to compose and post 5 relevant posts to unlock site privileges. It is a hassle for new users but the alternative is spam on the site. We Moderators see spam every day but you don't because of the restriction. You now have 5 approved posts so you 'should' be able to post images. I'd love to see your set-up.

@tiny here is a pic of my set up,and i stand corrected. The Filling Station does sell a NonPressurized cap for my vehicle.