cutting radiator shoud
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Charlotte N.C
cutting radiator shoud
I was reading a few post where the shoud was cut in half to make it easier for removal. Heres my question. Do you cut it in half across say east to west or do you cut it in half down the center from North to South. I know someone is goning to say man thats a dumb question but I would rather be safe than sorry. Thanks Richard
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 2
From: Circleville Ohio
Vader Vette
I did my 75 the same way well not sure what to tell you to do. I cut mine where i had enough bolts to hold the top and enough to hold the bottom and to tell you the truth you cant even see the cut marks My car is in storage or id go out and look at it for ya but i got about a week or so till I unbury it.
Seems like its right in the middle.
It made putting in my new rad so much easier.Put the bottom hose on the radiator before you install it (you wont be sorry).
Definatley cut horizonal.
Seems like its right in the middle.
It made putting in my new rad so much easier.Put the bottom hose on the radiator before you install it (you wont be sorry).
Definatley cut horizonal.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 2
From: Circleville Ohio
Vader Vette
If done correctly he wont have to take any of the front end off and that was the main reason i did it.I was smashing the cardboard that way around my radiator I no way wanted to take off the nuckle or any other part of the front end.So i trimmed her like a barber /bubba Im so sure you could not see my cut that ill buy you a 5 dollar subway sandwich. got any friends in say Columbus Ohio?? Just a friendly throw down.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Look...for those of you who do not have A/C and and auto tranny, don't pretend to know what you're talking about. The one-piece plastic [full-face] shroud is a real PITA to get out of there. It's almost impossible without breaking it to begin with.
If you decide to cut it, just find the middle of the very bottom of the shroud and cut it from front-to-back. Then you can more easily bend/flex the POS to get it out of there (and back in). While out, just make a little joiner plate to fit under the area you cut. Drill a couple of holes on each side and install some T-nuts on the inside of the shroud in those holes. Then, you can install the plate and screws from the bottom to put it all back together. If you do it right, it won't even be noticible from the topside.
If you decide to cut it, just find the middle of the very bottom of the shroud and cut it from front-to-back. Then you can more easily bend/flex the POS to get it out of there (and back in). While out, just make a little joiner plate to fit under the area you cut. Drill a couple of holes on each side and install some T-nuts on the inside of the shroud in those holes. Then, you can install the plate and screws from the bottom to put it all back together. If you do it right, it won't even be noticible from the topside.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Charlotte N.C
thanks for the replies
I have a shop installing my aluminum radiator, the thing about it is if I cut it now down the road I will not have a PITA. If i DONT I will bang my head up against a wall but because my car is a custom widebody I see no sense in preserving plastic,,,,,,now wheres the blade. ok I wont cut it this time but if it ever has to come out down the road I will. Thanks for everyones advice and by the way it is an automatic with a\c. Richard
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Don't do it
I am by no means a car guy, I work on computers all day long. I struggled and was able to get the shroud in and out of my 79 with a little bit of effort. Just remove the fan blade. That really helps.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 2
From: Circleville Ohio
Vader Vette
I did mine and Id do it again.
Come on I have A 75 Why not.
My Rad went in like a charm.with it split and you cant see the split.
My only regret was not putting on the bottom hose to the Rad first .should have done that, as is I had to buy another Wrench to add to the collection.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 34
From: Working on the car NY
Call me 
Bubba but back "in the day" before computers I cut a chunk out of mine to get it back in
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
The one-piece plastic [full-face] shroud is a real PITA to get out of there. It's almost impossible without breaking it to begin with.
If you decide to cut it, just find the middle of the very bottom of the shroud and cut it from front-to-back. Then you can more easily bend/flex the POS to get it out of there (and back in). While out, just make a little joiner plate to fit under the area you cut. Drill a couple of holes on each side and install some T-nuts on the inside of the shroud in those holes. Then, you can install the plate and screws from the bottom to put it all back together. If you do it right, it won't even be noticible from the topside.
If you decide to cut it, just find the middle of the very bottom of the shroud and cut it from front-to-back. Then you can more easily bend/flex the POS to get it out of there (and back in). While out, just make a little joiner plate to fit under the area you cut. Drill a couple of holes on each side and install some T-nuts on the inside of the shroud in those holes. Then, you can install the plate and screws from the bottom to put it all back together. If you do it right, it won't even be noticible from the topside.
As much as I like to do things the right way, IMHO the shroud was installed with the intent that it would never come out unless the water lump was first removed.
IMO, If you do a neat job that has a nice "finished" look to it, only the purists/NCRS crowd will find fault, and your knuckles and the radiator will thank you
Last edited by RobbSalzmann; Dec 3, 2011 at 11:34 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Bubba checking in.
I ruined my 76 early because I lost my mind trying to get it out.
Then I found out it's a small fortune for a new one.
Now I have electric fans out of spite.
Take the hood off, take all the hoses and belts off, take your time, take breaks...
I ruined my 76 early because I lost my mind trying to get it out.
Then I found out it's a small fortune for a new one.
Now I have electric fans out of spite.
Take the hood off, take all the hoses and belts off, take your time, take breaks...
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Danville Illinois
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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I have split the shroud at the bottom, works very well, from the top one can not tell the diff.
If you want stock i would say don't cut it. If you want somebody else to install a radiator they will surely screw up something else getting it in, since they have no concept of how much a PITA it is to do it correctly.
If you want stock i would say don't cut it. If you want somebody else to install a radiator they will surely screw up something else getting it in, since they have no concept of how much a PITA it is to do it correctly.
Last edited by Mod75; Dec 5, 2011 at 11:28 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 193
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Look...for those of you who do not have A/C and and auto tranny, don't pretend to know what you're talking about. The one-piece plastic [full-face] shroud is a real PITA to get out of there. It's almost impossible without breaking it to begin with.
If you decide to cut it, just find the middle of the very bottom of the shroud and cut it from front-to-back. Then you can more easily bend/flex the POS to get it out of there (and back in). While out, just make a little joiner plate to fit under the area you cut. Drill a couple of holes on each side and install some T-nuts on the inside of the shroud in those holes. Then, you can install the plate and screws from the bottom to put it all back together. If you do it right, it won't even be noticible from the topside.
If you decide to cut it, just find the middle of the very bottom of the shroud and cut it from front-to-back. Then you can more easily bend/flex the POS to get it out of there (and back in). While out, just make a little joiner plate to fit under the area you cut. Drill a couple of holes on each side and install some T-nuts on the inside of the shroud in those holes. Then, you can install the plate and screws from the bottom to put it all back together. If you do it right, it won't even be noticible from the topside.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,065
Likes: 2
From: Smalltownville Michigan
Cruise-In 5, 6 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
I have a 77 with auto and A/C and never had the urge or need to cut it in order to get it out. All it takes is some disassembly and patience.