First Ford, first big block...

Evening fellas! I got my 63' Thunderbird a month ago and the previous owner dropped in a 429. It's had a heating problem from day one so I thought this would be a good place to learn more about my motor.

I originally thought I was going to flip the car but I'm digging it it so much I'm keeping her. Looking forward to wrenching this classic.

Be cool fellas!

Welcome aboard. I have heard the 1972 and up 429's ran hotter because of the retarded cam timing. I changed my timing chain to a 1968/71 model before I ran it, so I can't give first hand experience but, you may want to check into it.

Check all the obvious things first...radiator blockage inside (rust, crud, etc)
Airflow through the radiator....adequate enough??...enough fan??
Hoses...particularly the bottom hose. Does it have a spring inside it to keep it from collapsing??...kinks??
Water pump....is the pump impeller still intact?? corroded??
Thermostat....is it functioning properly??...is it installed properly??