Oh no
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Oh no
Ive found a problem on the project. The core support(or what I call it) is rusted. Is this a common problem? Does it unbolt without taking the front end off? Advice? These cars are very different to work on. Vehicle is a 76 stringray
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Common? Possibly not, but it happens. Purchase the 76 assembly instruction manual (AIM). The AIM shows the factory installation of the radiator support.
As you remove yours, mark and note the position and number of any shims you might find. You will probably need them when the replacement support goes in.
Caution: the radiator support is a major structural member for the front fiblerglass. With it out, be careful not to put too much pressure on the front clip.
As you remove yours, mark and note the position and number of any shims you might find. You will probably need them when the replacement support goes in.
Caution: the radiator support is a major structural member for the front fiblerglass. With it out, be careful not to put too much pressure on the front clip.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Nov 3, 2010 at 10:58 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Common problem. How bad is the rust? Can you weld?
It unbolts, side and bottom...try not to lean on the front clip when out.
Paragon sells a repro core support for $385. They also sell new seal kits for the radiator. So does Doc Rebuild.
It unbolts, side and bottom...try not to lean on the front clip when out.
Paragon sells a repro core support for $385. They also sell new seal kits for the radiator. So does Doc Rebuild.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Easier with the hood off. Just make sure to scribe lines around the hinges so you won't have alignment problems when you put it back on.
Try Wilcox (supporting vendor) for the AIM. Maybe they have the core support as well?
Try Wilcox (supporting vendor) for the AIM. Maybe they have the core support as well?
1969/1971/2021 Coupes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 80
From: Port Huron MI
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Yes, you'll need to pull the hood to get good access and steady grip while removing. The AIM can be found at any number of vendors that sell Vette parts. Just Google Corvette parts and your choices will be endless. Good luck!
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 404
Likes: 1
From: roscoe il.
I had to change out my core support in my 74. You could see rust, but when it was out it was rusted even more on the sides that u could not see. Took hood off radator fan. Since i was this far into it , change out the lower hose and water pump. The core comes up from the top.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 219
Likes: 1
From: Horizontally parked in a parallel universe. WI
Example:
My '74 last five of VIN 10527 = OCT-NOV 1973 for an assembly time frame.
As far as what defines early and late I do not know for sure.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Time\Build is J28 on this one.
The other two codes on the trim tag are the original interior and exterior colors.
The running change from the A6 compressor to the R4 compressor began duing May, 1976. For this change, cars assembled before May are "early".
Last edited by Easy Mike; Nov 3, 2010 at 11:11 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
It has to do with how the radiator is held in. If you have a bottom that goes all the way across, it is late. If the bottom has 2 cradles, it is early.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 7
From: Coralville Iowa
Watch out too for an intercooler if you have air conditioning. It is mounted to the front of the radiator support along with the evaporator. If it is not an air car, disregard. If the car is an air car you can support the intercooler with wire in place and slip the radiator support out in back of it. Just be carefull.
Dave
Disregard. I see in a prior post no AC.
Dave
Disregard. I see in a prior post no AC.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 23
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster SC
Rad Support
Early 76 rad support has 2 studs on the bottom that the fan shroud fits over and is fastened with washers and nuts, and fastened on top with 2 bolts into 2 rad support brackets. Late 76 fan shroud has 2 clips that clip onto the support and fastens up top with 2 bolts into the 2 brackets (which I believe are different brackets from the early 76). Plus the late 76 has that "tray" along the bottom of it as mentioned above. Just replaced my Early 76 rad and support. Support was also rusted thru and had a stud broken off and figured since it was out, may as well replace rad. Left the hood on for removal, was a real pain and decided to pull the hood for re-install... went a LOT easier. Just scribe the fender around the hood hinges before pulling. Wish I would have pulled the hood to start with. Wound up recieving a support thru DrRebuild, was Volunteer Vet piece and except for the lower left A/C condensor bracket hole it lined up and fits perfect.