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Jonathan, I've been through this on my 50 several months ago. The radiator on the 50 isn't like a modern car radiator in that it comes apart and what you are really replacing is the "core". I have seen the core for sale several places but not a complete "rebuilt" radiator (with new core). I suppose someone might sell a rebuilt unit, but I've never seen one. I bought my core from Walts along with a bunch of other items. I think the price was good and I was happy with the quality. His web site is:
Link
If you buy a core be sure to buy two gaskets (one for the upper tank and one for the lower tank). The upper and lower tanks use the same gasket. The 50 had a couple of different cooling systems. The early ones (like my 1953 model) does not have a conventional thermostat. Instead it came with shutters mounted on the front of the radiator. A thermostat assy in the lower radiator tank is suppossed to operate these shutters. A good idea but I'm told that the system was prone to problems with the shutters sticking. When I bought my 50 the shutters were gone so I expect some people run without them at all. I found that having shutters (which I control manually) helps in the cold weather. The newer cooling system incorporates an automotive type thermostat which controls water flow. (In the old system coolant flowed all the time). I know that the water pumps are different in the two cooling systems, but I'm not sure about the radiator core. Besides the fact that the radiator is a heavy beast, you will find that some of those little bolts will be rusted in place. There are a lot of ways to go about loosening rusted bolts. You may find (as I did) that there will be a few that simply break off. You can try using a screw extractor (which did not work well in my case) or you can drill out the old bolt and re-tap it. I found that drilling the bolt with a slightly smaller drill would allow the bolt to break into pieces and I could simply "clean up" the threads with the proper tap. All and all it's not rocket science but you will get your hands dirty. Got a manual? Its a good idea. I was surprised to find that our little 50's use 7 Gallons of coolant! 7 Gallons! I kid you not... Have a long hard think about the water pump once you pull the radiator. If it looks at all suspecious now is the time to replace it. Drop me an email if you need some advice, and good luck with the old 50. They are great tractors. John
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