Coolant Reservoirs

[Kestas]

I remember back in the 70s and early 80s you could buy an aftermarket cooling system overflow retrofit kit. On my 71 Cutlass, I simply put the overflow tube into an empty oil bottle. I'm still using the same bottle from 1985. Not much ever spit out from the radiator over the decades.

 

[Robenstein]

Originally Posted By: Kestas
I remember back in the 70s and early 80s you could buy an aftermarket cooling system overflow retrofit kit. On my 71 Cutlass, I simply put the overflow tube into an empty oil bottle. I'm still using the same bottle from 1985. Not much ever spit out from the radiator over the decades.


I have seen many old beer cans and even some old pyrex baby bottles used on old hot rod builds.

 

[artificialist]

My dad told me that during the 1960s, Ford did something a little bit different. Instead of having a recovery tank, there would be a thick plastic bag that held the coolant. He also said it wasn't a reliable system, so Ford eventually used solid plastic recovery tanks like most other companies.

Anyway, I have heard that engines that use dexcool and a non pressurized recovery tank were more likely to get dex sludge than those with a pressurized tank. I don't know if it is completely true.

 

[ffhdriver]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
My dad told me that during the 1960s, Ford did something a little bit different. Instead of having a recovery tank, there would be a thick plastic bag that held the coolant. He also said it wasn't a reliable system, so Ford eventually used solid plastic recovery tanks like most other companies.

Anyway, I have heard that engines that use dexcool and a non pressurized recovery tank were more likely to get dex sludge than those with a pressurized tank. I don't know if it is completely true.
I think your Dad's memory is bad. My '60s Fords had a thick plastic bag for the windshield washer fluid.