radiator core support removal.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 132
Likes: 8
From: Waretown NJ
radiator core support removal.
Just noticed my radiator core support has some rust spots and want to remove and replace it. It is a 1970 small block. I have read many articles on how to do but want to hear from someone first hand. Does not appear to be a big deal once the hood is removed. I think one confusing issue I have is do the fan blade and shroud have to be removed to get radiator and support out? Thanks for any help. Rob
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Remove fan/pulley, all belts, top supports, and by my 24 y/o recollection, the shroud should come out, now you maybe need remove the 3 bolts from the fender well/liners....and maybe two into the lower cross member, and of course the hood, and if a/c loosen top condensor mounts, and slide the whole assy forward, then pull the shroud.....I did cut my shroud about 1/2 was up on each side, making a top/bottom 1/2 back when I had a mechanical fan, fashioned a slip joint to the bottom part to catch the top 1/2...and the bottom would then flip out without moving the support....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 132
Likes: 8
From: Waretown NJ
Was thinking the 3 bolts in the wheel well. 2 in the cross member and the top radiator bracket. Will see if can be removed without removing shroud. I think this is my fall project. Hopefully I will get more feedback before starting. This vehicle does not have ac. Thanks for suggestions. Rob
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 136
From: PHOENIX, AZ Yes, it's true. You are a good woman. Then again, you may be the Antichrist.
IMO, its easier to remove all, as has been stated above, AND the shroud. The shroud is a pain, but if you're going to all this trouble anyway, might as well pull it, get it out of your way, clean it up, etc.
When I pulled the support out of my 69 I found the bottom was rotten. Had to learn some welding, but got it patched up, painted, and reinstalled and you'd never know it had been removed.
Have fun with you project.
When I pulled the support out of my 69 I found the bottom was rotten. Had to learn some welding, but got it patched up, painted, and reinstalled and you'd never know it had been removed.
Have fun with you project.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,220
Likes: 1,671
From: Long Island
Remove the fan and fan clutch, Pull the Radiator and Shroud as a unit.
With no A/C you can tilt the radiator support forward and it's easier to get everything out.
Keep tabs of where the shims are, how many and on which bolts.
With no A/C you can tilt the radiator support forward and it's easier to get everything out.
Keep tabs of where the shims are, how many and on which bolts.
Last edited by BLUE1972; Sep 18, 2019 at 09:25 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 145
Likes: 22
From: San Francisco CA
get in and wire brush the mounting hardware for the support, soak with PB Blaster or equivalent a day or two in advance. That stuff has likely been in place for decades.
Last edited by Sunracer; Sep 18, 2019 at 11:25 PM.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
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small block shrouds are pretty easy to remove, BIG blocks are a whole other animal. Most people I talked to had to loosena nd move the support to get teh big block shroud off. You should be fine, I'm doing the same this this winter. I'm switching my 68 small block support to a big block support which is the same support with different radiator mounts.
Good luck, post pics
Good luck, post pics
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 132
Likes: 8
From: Waretown NJ
Thanks for all the replies . Have read where people have cut the shroud in half to get it out. Nice to know this is a doable project for me. I will look at the support and see how bad it is and also might be able to weld and keep the original. Thanks again for all the help, this site ROCKS as always with help ,. Rob