Pretendr07

When you remove a radiator from a c3, do you have to remove the hood?

PhyscoVette

Sure makes it alot easier!!!!

Gordonm

I have had mine out a few times with the hood on. I have also taken out the motor a couple of times with the hood on,also the radiator support with the hood on. I'm a glutton for punishment.

Theiskell

The hood comes off in a snap and it’s not heavy, I would say take the hood off, but it can be done with the hood in place. If you do pull the hood be sure to mark around the hinges so when you put it back on you wont need to readjust it.

onsturn

On my 69 big block it was a lot easier to remove the hood. Then remove the fan clutch then hoses. Then remove the radiator, radiator support and fan shroud as all one unit. Good Luck

ctgene

I just took the radiator out of my '79 last week and I didn't even think about taking the hood off...just put my new Dewitt's in this past Monday...it really wasn't that difficult, take your time...my opinion, leave your hood on...

Circus Monkey

Did anyone have problems with the shroud when you took out the radiator?

I had all sorts of problems, removed the fan and clutch assembly and then just ended up cutting the shroud out of frustration. Ordering a radiator was another hassle, I think my 73 has some 72 parts to it. As every 73 radiator I ordered wouldn't fit right width ways. So I ended up just re-coring what was "original".

Is this normal?

wallifishrmn

Just took my radiator out, had it recored, and reinstalled this week. Didn't take the hood off.
1. Remove fan & clutch.
2. Remove shroud--mine came in two pieces:small piece with 3 screws and larger piece with two screws attaching to the top of the radiator support and two attaching to the bottom. You have to disconnect the radiator hoses and get it in the right position then it comes out.
3. Radiator in held in by two shroud brackets on the top (each has two bolts) and then lift it out--make sure not to punch a hole in it--need two people and watch when removing.
4. Check you radiator support--mine was rusted so I had to replace it. Easy to remove but a PITA to get back in--holes did want to line up the same as the old one. Put in the 3 screws on each side first and the bottom two bolts last--had to drill out the hole on one.
5. Getting the recored radiator in was also a PITA. The holes on the shroud brackets were hard to get lined up. Do one side first--that's not to bad. It's the second side that is a bear. Took me 4 hours to get those to bolts in. If they are not in perfect alignment I couldn't get the threads started. I'm sure this would have been must easier with the hood off--but I did want to scratch, dink, crack, or mess the hood up.

Hope this helps.

vett 68

i just removed mine took me 45 min @ i removed hood wouldn't do any other way lining hood is easy

Go Vette Go

Just helped a friend pull the radiator out of his Pace Car without removing the hood, shroud or AC condenser. Covered both sides of the radiator with cardboard to protect the radiator. He had the radiator drained, fan & clutch off and the hoses off.

Took about 10 minutes & it was out.

Wyatt Earp

"10 minutes"

scottw

Once you get everything drained and the fan out of the way, 10 minutes is right on track for taking out with two people. Most of the work is done by then.

Much easier when the hood is off but I do mine with the hood on. I guess I'm another stuborn guy that likes to make things hard on myself.

Go Vette Go

Actually wasn't hard at all - my buddy had everything drained & disconnected. I will say it is one heck of alot easier with 2 people then one!!! I have done this by myself and yes - you disconnect/remove all that you can

agent kronus

I did it today by myself in 5mins, **** easy! lol

JustinD

Leave the hood on. On my 78 it isn't even close to being in the way.