Lower radiator inlet issue
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Lower radiator inlet issue
Just replaced my radiator (the shop said it was too rotted to fix). Apparently, the replacement radiator is just a little different than the old one, because my lower radiator inlet is right up against my sway bar when the radiator is resting in the bottom mounts.
I shoved the bottom part of the radiator all the way forward and put on the top retainers, and this seems like it will work. It doesn't look right, however. So, do you think I should do something different, like have the inlet modified?
I shoved the bottom part of the radiator all the way forward and put on the top retainers, and this seems like it will work. It doesn't look right, however. So, do you think I should do something different, like have the inlet modified?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,987
From: Connecticut, USA
Sounds like you have one of the aftermarket jobs there. I know I used some too and some fit , others don't. The last one fit good except the necks were a sharp 90* instead of a sweep and there's no way to make it work. I had the shop swap out the original sweeps with the crappy ones on the new radiator and it has worked fine the past 2 years. Sounds like you need to do the same.
Good luck,
Gary
Good luck,
Gary
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
From: Ashaway RI
Originally Posted by gtr1999
Sounds like you have one of the aftermarket jobs there. I know I used some too and some fit , others don't. The last one fit good except the necks were a sharp 90* instead of a sweep and there's no way to make it work. I had the shop swap out the original sweeps with the crappy ones on the new radiator and it has worked fine the past 2 years. Sounds like you need to do the same.
Good luck,
Gary
Good luck,
Gary
I replaced the radiator in my 81 and had the same problem. The radiator shop took the fitting from my old radiator and put it in the new one.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 1
From: Prescott Arizona
I just had to re-solder my lower radiator inlet because mine was resting on the sway bar also, and it finally gave way. There should be two rubber footings that sit in the radiator support tray. Make sure these are in the proper place and you should have enough clearance.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by vetteonr
I just had to re-solder my lower radiator inlet because mine was resting on the sway bar also, and it finally gave way. There should be two rubber footings that sit in the radiator support tray. Make sure these are in the proper place and you should have enough clearance.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10,896
Likes: 2
From: CO
Originally Posted by 80vettowner
Yeah - That's another problem. The parts of the radiator that are supposed to sit in those rubber mounts don't line up with the new radiator either. I guess I shoulda bought a radiator from a Vette parts vendor, and not just a general radiator shop.
I havne't had a chance to put my radiator in yet (75). I got it from Dewitts but its made by Griffin. It looks like a perfect fit but we shall see.
Last edited by flood; Jun 7, 2005 at 04:14 PM.
