RADIATOR SHUTTERS
Shutters are used on vehicles to block the radiator during
cold winter months and limit the effect of cold air blowing through the radiator to cool
the engine. Many large trucks use such a system today to retain engine heat during
cold weather. A similar shutter system was available as an aftermarket accessory for
the Ford Model A.
The Globe Machine and Stamping Company, located on 76th Street in Cleveland, Ohio,
manufactured radiator shutter systems for cars beginning in the 1920s. They
manufactured radiator shutters for Fords, Chevrolet, Dodge, Willys Overland and other
makes of cars.
The shutter assembly fastened to the front of the radiator. Vanes in the shutter
assembly could be adjusted open or closed or in between by a cable attached to a hand
control inside the car. During cold weather, the driver could adjust the shutter
opening to minimize the amount of cold air blowing through the radiator, thus letting the
engine operate warmer.
The photo below shows the shutter assembly that was mounted on the front of the car over
the radiator.
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The next photo shows the Globe Machine and Stamping Company logo on the center of the shutter assembly.
The photo below shows the hand control that mounted inside the car. With a cable attached to the shutter vanes, the control was used to adjust the shutter vanes to be fully open, 3/4 open, 1/2 open, 1/4 open or completely closed.
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The picture below shows some of the mounting and operating hardware that came with the
Globe radiator shutter assembly.
