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1981 fan shroud

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Old Mar 19, 2006 | 11:56 AM
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Default 1981 fan shroud

Does the water pump really need to come out to re-install the fan shroud? my son and I installed a new 4 row radiator and water pump in the car and as we were trying to install the shroud back, it won't fit. Does it have to go on first before the radiator and the water pump? Will it hurt if we cut around the bottom area to make it clear? Will this alter the purpose of air flow?
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Old Mar 19, 2006 | 12:04 PM
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...because of the tightness of the upper A-arms for room, my 1980 & 1975 I did I just pulled the coresupport/radiator/shroud as a single unit. The earlier '68-'72 cars without A/C with the steel barrel shrouds were able to have the shroud & or radiator removed without touching the coresupport. Generally, with 1973-1982 Corvettes it's easiest to pull the whole thing as a unit-just ask BarryK.
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Old Mar 19, 2006 | 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Paul Borowski
...because of the tightness of the upper A-arms for room, my 1980 & 1975 I did I just pulled the coresupport/radiator/shroud as a single unit. The earlier '68-'72 cars without A/C with the steel barrel shrouds were able to have the shroud & or radiator removed without touching the coresupport. Generally, with 1973-1982 Corvettes it's easiest to pull the whole thing as a unit-just ask BarryK.
At this point, the new radiator and water pump is in the car less the fan. I forgot to mention, it's an a/c car too. The way I look at it, the radiator needs to be removed or maybe just unbolted and move back but still, the water pump is in the way of the bottom part of the shroud preventing it to go down.
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Old Mar 19, 2006 | 07:22 PM
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I put my shroud in as far back as it would go, then installed the radiator and brought the shroud up to it.
Bill
Fan is last
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Old Mar 19, 2006 | 07:28 PM
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My 78 has a small rectangular portion cut out of the lower part of the fan shroud. I didn't do this so I assume the previous owner did for some reason. I wouldn't think it affects air flow that much.
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Old Mar 19, 2006 | 09:10 PM
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pull the rad back out, put in the fan shroud and then the rad. PITA
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Old Mar 19, 2006 | 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by SIXFOOTER
pull the rad back out, put in the fan shroud and then the rad. PITA
Will it be easier this way rather than loosen the entire support and try to wiggle the shroud in?
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 10:11 AM
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Probly, I had a LOT of trouble with my 77. Also have seen a couple of shrouds cut at the top and bottom and them plated back together once installed. Kind of cool for a bubba fix. you can get the thing out in about 5 minutes with no cussin
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by SIXFOOTER
Probly, I had a LOT of trouble with my 77. Also have seen a couple of shrouds cut at the top and bottom and them plated back together once installed. Kind of cool for a bubba fix. you can get the thing out in about 5 minutes with no cussin
That's funny cause I actually had a dream about that last night..........LOL
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by 81cali
Will it be easier this way rather than loosen the entire support and try to wiggle the shroud in?
Remove the top support bolts so it will pivot as far forward as possible, then assembly the shoroud to the radiator as stated above and reassemble as a unit. Hint: Cut some cardboard and attach it to the face of the radiator so when the shroud slips out of your hands it doesn't damage the fins. This is especially helpful during a violent cursing episode when you loose all self control!!
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 01:43 PM
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Originally Posted by TopGunn
Remove the top support bolts so it will pivot as far forward as possible, then assembly the shoroud to the radiator as stated above and reassemble as a unit. Hint: Cut some cardboard and attach it to the face of the radiator so when the shroud slips out of your hands it doesn't damage the fins. This is especially helpful during a violent cursing episode when you loose all self control!!

I guess I'll try your idea. Whatever it takes not to disconnect the radiator again especially the tranny lines.
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