Radiator Seal Install Question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
Radiator Seal Install Question
I've got a question on how to mount the upper radiator seal to the core support (not the 'air dam' seal from the support to the hood but rather the top seal for the radiator to core support).
My 69' coupe (SBC with copper radiator) was missing this seal so I have nothing to go on and the AIM diagram is of little help. The core support is curved and bows up at the center/top so how can you attach a 'straight' seal and have it attach to the core support and seal the radiator at the same time?
The seals I bought (Paragon) are 3/4" thick but it looks like I would need something about 1" thick to make a proper seal.
Any pictures or suggestions would be most appreciated!
Elm
My 69' coupe (SBC with copper radiator) was missing this seal so I have nothing to go on and the AIM diagram is of little help. The core support is curved and bows up at the center/top so how can you attach a 'straight' seal and have it attach to the core support and seal the radiator at the same time?
The seals I bought (Paragon) are 3/4" thick but it looks like I would need something about 1" thick to make a proper seal.
Any pictures or suggestions would be most appreciated!
Elm
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,117
Likes: 671
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Radiator seal ?
I did this a long time ago, but doesn't the radiator seal get attached to the radiator itself, then it is bolted to the radiator support ? But my 79 had a slight bow to it as well but the seal gets squeezed into position to conform to the support itself. Then the air dam seals get attached to the upper side of the support so they block any air from slipping pass the radiator. it's very dense foam isn't it ?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
The seals mount directly to the core support, not the radiator-
Yes, the foam is dense but it looks like in order to seal the odd shaped opening at the top of the core support properly, I would need something like 1 1/2" wide by 1" thick or better.
I'm just not seeing how the factory managed to make this work..
Elm
Yes, the foam is dense but it looks like in order to seal the odd shaped opening at the top of the core support properly, I would need something like 1 1/2" wide by 1" thick or better.
I'm just not seeing how the factory managed to make this work..
Elm
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
I'll have to double check but it seems I need a thicker seal than what was provided to close the gap at the top.
I'll look again...
