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Technical discussions specific to 1964-1967, 1968-1970, and 1971-1973 Classic Mustang. Discuss all tech related to in-line six cylinder and V8 powered Vintage Mustangs here.
I recently ordered a 3 row radiator for my 65 coupe. The fan touches the radiator when i try to put it on. Is a smaller spacer mandatory or could i get by without any spacer on at all? I installed the radiator and fan without any spacer and spun the fan by hand and it doesnt seem to rub or contact anything near it, but i just wanted to double check before i start it up and it rips up everything in my engine bay.
You should be able to get fan spacers from your local auto parts, I have a 3 core for a big block on my 289, and I used a 1" spacer, but since every application is a little different, do some measuring to be sure. If you get a different spacer, get bolts also, should be a 5/16" dia, Grade 5, NF thread, and you will have to figure out the length. Good Luck.
Last edited by rex1965; 11-14-2012 at 12:30 PM.
Reason: more info
spacers are easy to get. dont go without it will be to far. if you cant find one from a store and your not about the perfect classic look you can pick them up off of jegs along with a flex fan for a fair price.
You absolutely want to be about 1" from the radiator. Remember your engine is mounted on rubber motor mounts and the engine does move around a bit. You need some clearance to avoid eating a radiator with the fan. Good luck!
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1964.5 convertible and a 2012 Sterling Grey GT. Alabama winning the BCS game. Life is good!
As said, when installed you want a minimum of 1 inch clearance fan to radiator when installed to allow for fan flex and engine movement. Spacers are cheap, new radiators, not as cheap. Easy equation.
For the 64 thru 69 Mustang V8s there were 10 different lengths of fan spacers used. Standard fan to radiator clearance was about an inch. With the factory shroud (2" thick) the '66 clutch fan was further back at about 1 1/2". The clutch fans did not use a spacer since they had a long shaft that bolted direct.
1965 cooling fan spacer help 
