Radiator overflow tanks

[clean62]

Can glass be used as an overflow tank for a radiator. I am not sure if the glass can take the heat or preasure. Has anyone used glass and how well did it work.

[MagicRat]

If you simply must do this, go for a clear Pyrex container, only if it is not under pressure (open to the atmosphere).

I would never use regular glass, it will break if filled with hot coolant.... to much of a shatter risk, and for that matter, even Pyrex will break if subjected to impact... too risky imo.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by clean62

Can glass be used as an overflow tank for a radiator. I am not sure if the glass can take the heat or preasure. Has anyone used glass and how well did it work.

why would you want to use glass ? Is it that hot out in AZ that the plastic melts ?

what vehicle is this for ?

[clean62]

I just wanted to use something custom and not the hum drum plastic comtainer. I have read other posts where poeple have used Jack bottles. It is not that it is too hot in AZ to use plastic I just wanted to put my own twist in my 62 Bel air. I figued I would have use Pyrex to handle the heat of the fluid. Thx for the input.

[denisond3]

Could you use the type of glass pot used for coffee? It would certainly handle the hot coolant, and would have a distinctive, even humorous custom look. Other likely prospects would be the flasks used in laboratories; Erlenmeyer Flasks or Florence Flasks. They make a flask similar to the Erlenmeyer but with thicker glass, and a hose barb on the neck; called a Buchner Flask. All of these come in various sizes.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by clean62

I just wanted to use something custom and not the hum drum plastic comtainer. I have read other posts where poeple have used Jack bottles. It is not that it is too hot in AZ to use plastic I just wanted to put my own twist in my 62 Bel air. I figued I would have use Pyrex to handle the heat of the fluid. Thx for the input.

I maybe wrong but did they use coolant bottles on the 1962 bel air or other vehicles.of that era..??? I don't think they did...

[Ol'Jim]

Shouldn't be pressure in an overflow reservoir/recovery tank, unless you are using really new technology like my Silverado has. Back then, cars didn't have coolant recovery tanks, just an overflow hose. But some DID use glass reservoirs for the windshield washer fluid! Thick glass. If your older ride has a 160* or even a 180* thermostat, the heat won't cause the glass to shatter, but I still would not recommend it. What about one of these neat-looking new aluminum "bottles" that Bud Light or Mtn Dew come in? You could paint it any color, or even take it to bare aluminum and turn a brushed/satin finish on it... I'd stay away from glass because the roads here in downtown Dallas are so darn bumpy it would probably break.