Radiator confusion
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Elderslie, Scotland
Radiator confusion
As they say in Bonnie Scotland, this radiator "is dain ma heed in" 
I'm wondering if I have the wrong rad and mount. Its a 75 but has a 74 front end on it.
The radiator measures 31 1/2 inches wide and is 18 12/16ths high
(apologies I usually use metric measurement)
The top and bottom from the centres of where the mounts will hold the radiator is 26 14/16ths top and bottom but the mounting frame mounts centre to centre are 27 3/4 at the top and 27 1/2 at the bottom.
Any advise is always welcomed.
Radiator
Mount
I'm wondering if I have the wrong rad and mount. Its a 75 but has a 74 front end on it.
The radiator measures 31 1/2 inches wide and is 18 12/16ths high
(apologies I usually use metric measurement)
The top and bottom from the centres of where the mounts will hold the radiator is 26 14/16ths top and bottom but the mounting frame mounts centre to centre are 27 3/4 at the top and 27 1/2 at the bottom.
Any advise is always welcomed.
Radiator
Mount
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,651
Likes: 3,110
From: Shamong, NJ
74 or 75, it shouldn't be an issue. All 73's to early 76's, used the same radiator and core support. To check if you have the correct radiator, measure the width of the radiator core itself (less the end tanks). The core should be 27 1/2" wide.
From the pictures, it looks like you have the correct 73-76E core support. The lower saddles, with the studs to attach the shroud to, are unique to the 73-76 support.
From the pictures, it looks like you have the correct 73-76E core support. The lower saddles, with the studs to attach the shroud to, are unique to the 73-76 support.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Elderslie, Scotland
I reckon the core is 27 1/2 on its own but it sits nearly and inch off at the bottom saddles. Reason I took it out, and you can just see it in the picture, was that the bottom pipe on the right was rubbing on the swaybar. 
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: MISSISSAUGA ONTARIO
Bill,do you have all the rubber cushions for your rad?I am currently doing the same project with a friend and the rubber cushions are at least a half inch thick,and when test fit its all pretty snug the originals may be gone or seriously compressed the kits are pretty cheap and the freight even to Scotland would be inexpensive as all together they would only weigh about 500 grams or half a pound.Cheers Eric
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 803
Likes: 4
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Och, the rubber cushions make a big difference! I used a 77 radiator in my 74, and had to move the lower support in an inch to allow for the narrower radiator. I used a 77 shroud as well, which meant using 77 radiator/shroud brackets.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Elderslie, Scotland
This is just not happening. Has anyone measured their radiator before? The core is just over 26"
This is the passenger side with the cushions attached.
Fits in correct.
But the drivers side looks like the radiotor is either too small or the saddles are in the wrong place? The top saddle lines up with the bottom saddle which makes me think the radiator is wrong....?
You can see how far it is out on here...
End of the radiator on the driver side....
This is the passenger side with the cushions attached.
Fits in correct.
But the drivers side looks like the radiotor is either too small or the saddles are in the wrong place? The top saddle lines up with the bottom saddle which makes me think the radiator is wrong....?
You can see how far it is out on here...
End of the radiator on the driver side....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 803
Likes: 4
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Duh! I should have spotted this in the first picture, but your radiator is a later one that has a core an inch narrower. You can tell because the top outlet is straight instead of angled to the centre of the car. Same issue I had with my 74. What I did was move the lower bracket in an inch, and used late 76 onwards combined radiator and shroud brackets with a later shroud. If you can't get a shroud, you could use the later brackets with electric fans. You will need a 77 or later top hose as well.
BTW, my grandmother was from Edinburgh! Go Stewarts of Appin!
BTW, my grandmother was from Edinburgh! Go Stewarts of Appin!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Elderslie, Scotland
That would explain it. Wrong Radiator 
The reason I took it out was due to the bottom pipe rubbing on the sway bar (you can see in the picture where it was rubbing)
Now.... Do I bite the bullet and get a new correct radiator or cut and weld the lower saddle (that will cost me anyway as I don't have the facility to do myself) How would that go with the upper bracket? That will still be out
Good tae have some Scots blood in ye....
Stewarts ye say....
The reason I took it out was due to the bottom pipe rubbing on the sway bar (you can see in the picture where it was rubbing)
Now.... Do I bite the bullet and get a new correct radiator or cut and weld the lower saddle (that will cost me anyway as I don't have the facility to do myself) How would that go with the upper bracket? That will still be out
Good tae have some Scots blood in ye....
Stewarts ye say....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Elderslie, Scotland
My sentiments as well Mike.
The cost and time of adapting the mount might not be as cost effective.
I've already contacted a UK supplier to get their opinion. Really helpful guy down in England.
Could also be an opportunity to go aftermarket and electric fans as I don't have any shrouds either
Reckon this is what I need, I can see the difference now and the core size is 27 1/2
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1976early.html
The cost and time of adapting the mount might not be as cost effective.
I've already contacted a UK supplier to get their opinion. Really helpful guy down in England.
Could also be an opportunity to go aftermarket and electric fans as I don't have any shrouds either
Reckon this is what I need, I can see the difference now and the core size is 27 1/2
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1976early.html
Last edited by Young Bill; May 8, 2013 at 09:10 AM.
Had a wee look Mike, yer right. More economical with a new (or second hand) shroud and fittings..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 803
Likes: 4
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Your suggestions are all great as usual Mike, but distance and budget forced my adaptions. The car already came with the later shroud (thanks Bubba!) so it was easier to move the lower bracket in, and get a couple of new top brackets.
Bill, I hope you appreciate the fact that we sent you Sean Maitland to bolster your rugby team!
Bill, I hope you appreciate the fact that we sent you Sean Maitland to bolster your rugby team!
