Radiator DIY install
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
Radiator DIY install
I'm going to attempt to change my 25 year old leaking radiator...In checking the Chilton repair manual, 77-82 doesn't specify removing the hood, but for earlier C-3's it does. Can anyone that's done this themselves give me some pointers and let me know what to look out for ? 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
I replaced my radiator and core support without removing the hood, however if I had to do it again I would remove the hood. It was a tight sqeeze but I did it. The hardest part was removing the shroud, with the hood off you can move the support further forward to give you more room to get it past the upper a-arm on the drivers side.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
heres a picture of a 77 install.. the radiator slips between the shroud and the core support on a 77...i think its the same on a 79...
the shroud is resting on the water pump...
[IMG]
[/IMG]
the radiator slips between them...
[IMG]
[/IMG]
the shroud is resting on the water pump...
[IMG]
[/IMG] the radiator slips between them...
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 684
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
I removed the rad on my 1980 and did not have to remove the hood. I first started by draining the rad and removal of the hoses. I then removed the ducting on top of rad and then was able to slide the rad shroud over top of the fan, once I completed this the rad came out pretty easy with the assistance of a second person so that the rad was pulled straight up. The only problem was the install, I found that the bottom neck portion of the rad was difficult to get past some of the front end assmebly on the car. Some of the members have discussed this and mentioned that loosing an arm would allow you to slip the rad back in without the lower neck of the rad interferring. Hope this helps.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 49
From: Franklin IN
I had the same expirence. I solve the shroud problem I cut it at the bottom and then made a metal bracket to rejoin the halves after I got it all installed. I would also reccomend having several buddies standing by to lend a hand on both removal and installation.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Franklin Ohio
When I did mine I had the fan, shroud, clutch, water pump, and all the hoses out of the car. Figured if I was going to work on the radiator might as well go back with a new pump and hoses. I didn't remove the hood. Looked a little too heavy and difficult to control for one person to remove. Two words of caution: 1) watch out where you take your radiator. The brass and solder is very fragile and if they aren't careful will do more damage than good. 2) The bottom support will be rusted. Get ready to either POR what is left or replace it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 0
From: pr, frederick md.
after reading posts on this subject before, early c-3's are a giant pain. on my 78, i pulled the fan, layed the shroud on the engine and pulled that puppy out! thats it! ive heard other guys say they even pulled a-arms 
....... one rad, one man, one hour 
....... one rad, one man, one hour
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I can't imagine taking the hood off just to pull the rad. I pulled mine by myself with no problems with the hood on. The rad is slanted anyway and comes out that way. Drain the rad, remove the hoses and fan, unbolt the rad and then pull it out. Leave the shroud laying against the engine until you replace thae rad.
Bernie
Bernie
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
Did my radiator - 1 man two hours in an unlit garage - did not remove the hood.
Would it be eaiser?
....sure.. more access is always easier
would it add the possibility of more things going wrong?
...sure, you could drop the hood - it could fall over - you could fail to get it aligned properly making it difficult to close and/or open.
If you have the time...take the hood off...no harm there...
If you dont want the annoyance of having to realign the hood.. leave it on...you can do the job with it there anyway.
Would it be eaiser?
....sure.. more access is always easier
would it add the possibility of more things going wrong?
...sure, you could drop the hood - it could fall over - you could fail to get it aligned properly making it difficult to close and/or open.
If you have the time...take the hood off...no harm there...
If you dont want the annoyance of having to realign the hood.. leave it on...you can do the job with it there anyway.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,065
Likes: 2
From: Smalltownville Michigan
Cruise-In 5, 6 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
When I did mine, all i did was drain it, remove the hoses, undo the fan & clutch assembley and slide the radiator cowl back. sure, taking the hood off would make it easier, but why take off more than what you absolutely need to? That's just inviting more headaches!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne Australia
Originally Posted by Red 69
Trace around the hood latches before you loosen the bolts. Those marks will make reassembly much easier.
against the edges
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
From: Central KY
For my car the hood comes off... You might have an easier setup and not need to pull the hood. Just start pulling off the stuff and see if you need more room. If you do, stop and pull off the hood (with the help of another person).
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 18,478
Likes: 3
From: Quincy IL
no need to pull the hood, i've pulled the radiator on my 79 a couple of times, it's nice to have a person on either side of the rad when pulling it out, a little easier on the back, you'll also have a little more control if you use a second person when putting one back in.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 0
From: pr, frederick md.
Originally Posted by Secret Squirrel
Instead of writing on the hood and marking it up, put some masking tape
against the edges
against the edges
