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Radiator support removal

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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 07:33 PM
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Default Radiator support removal

Since I've got the radiator out of the 69, thought I'd remove the rad. support and paint it. The job looks simple-six bolts. To those in the know, is it that simple? Or am I going to screw something up as far as fender fit ect. Hood is on the car. Thanks
I did a search and found some good info. Thanks

Last edited by Fstdraw; Apr 6, 2007 at 07:41 PM. Reason: Did a search
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 08:31 PM
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I'd STRONGLY recommend using something to support the nose of the car before removing the core support and while the core support is out.
The core support not only holds the radiator but also supports the entire nose and keeps it in correct position. If you let it hang without support while the core support is out being painted the nose will drop. If the nose drops than when you put everything back together you lose clearance between the fanblade and shroud causing them to hit and it messes up the panel alignment of the body panels from the doors forward.
BTW, the weight of the hood still on will make the problem even worst.

put a support under the nose than simply remove the six bolts (3 per side) holding the core support in and lift it out of the car.
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 10:32 PM
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If the front Bumper is still bolted on with brackets to to frame Pull the support with No worries the nose will drop a little but the bumper brackets will carry the weight while its gone no problem. on reinstall just jam an awl
into the side bolt holes line up holes and blast the bolts back in
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 10:35 PM
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Originally Posted by BarryK
I'd STRONGLY recommend using something to support the nose of the car before removing the core support and while the core support is out.
The core support not only holds the radiator but also supports the entire nose and keeps it in correct position. If you let it hang without support while the core support is out being painted the nose will drop. If the nose drops than when you put everything back together you lose clearance between the fanblade and shroud causing them to hit and it messes up the panel alignment of the body panels from the doors forward.
BTW, the weight of the hood still on will make the problem even worst.

put a support under the nose than simply remove the six bolts (3 per side) holding the core support in and lift it out of the car.
Barry you forgot about the support rod / the 2 71/6th bolts on bottom and the ground strap on lh side
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 10:56 PM
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Don't be surprised if the botton of your frame is rusted out. I pulled mine out of my rust free (1976) S. Cal car and the bottom was rusted out. I elected to repair mine since I have a metal fabrication shop. New one's are about $350 from Mid-America or other Vette part suppliers.
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 11:22 PM
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Just put a new one in my 70 today. The bottom was rusted out from an old radiator leak. No other rust in the car. It's pretty straight forward.
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Old Apr 7, 2007 | 05:14 AM
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Originally Posted by paulywannafly
Barry you forgot about the support rod / the 2 71/6th bolts on bottom and the ground strap on lh side
yeah, you are right, I did forget about both of those- it's been a year now since I did mine and I guess I'm getting old and my memory is going to h*ll.
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Old Apr 7, 2007 | 08:53 AM
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Here's what mine looked like when I pulled out the leaky radiator.

So I spent the $350 and put in a new one.

The most difficult part was getting all the mounting holes lined up. Glad I did it though, it was badly rusted...the entire bottom 1/2!
Good luck!
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