Radiator Replacement 71
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Radiator Replacement 71
Sorry guys I just can't find what I looking for in a form search. I need to replace a radiator in a 71 BB454 with air. I purchased a Dewitts almost a year ago and just now getting around to install. Question how does the fan shroud get removed, it does no want to come out unless I remove the water pump just not enough room even with the belts,pulleys, and rad hoses removed.
Can the radiator be removed while leaving the plastic fan shroud loose in place, or does the water pump need removal. The bottom of fan shroud will not clear the water pump shaft on the 454.
Thanks in advance
Can the radiator be removed while leaving the plastic fan shroud loose in place, or does the water pump need removal. The bottom of fan shroud will not clear the water pump shaft on the 454.
Thanks in advance
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,346
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From: Tampa, Florida
Good luck.
Royal pain the ***.
Some say you can leave the shroud in but swing it over the water pump.
i could not get evrything back together on mine without moving the entire surround forward. After doing that I was able to slip the rdiator in.
1. remove hood
2. remove fan
3. flip shroud back so it hangs over the water pump.
4. completely loosen surround and pivot it towards front of car. (I completely removed mine and reconditioned it)
Royal pain the ***.
Some say you can leave the shroud in but swing it over the water pump.
i could not get evrything back together on mine without moving the entire surround forward. After doing that I was able to slip the rdiator in.
1. remove hood
2. remove fan
3. flip shroud back so it hangs over the water pump.
4. completely loosen surround and pivot it towards front of car. (I completely removed mine and reconditioned it)
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: plymouth mass
I recently removed the radiator in my small block 73. I left the shroud in place during the removal. I found this radiator removal/installation to be one of the biggest PITA that I have undertaken on this car. I don't know how similiar your car is to mine, but i would be glad to post some pics of the process later this evening. I know now why you see alot of these cars running around without shrouds. I sure hope this process with a BB is easier. I had to remove the fan and pulley. A previous owner had modded the shroud to make the removal/installation easier. The modes are not really to noticeable to the casual observer.
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Thanks guys, keeping fingers crossed someone with a 71BB has gone this route before. The shourd is wide at the bottom and lacks about 3" to clear the water pump shaft.
I though about cutting out a 3"x 3" notch to allow the pump shaft to pass through the should, but I just hate to mod good 36 year old parts. What a PIA.
It does appear the rad might silde up and out with the shroud is loose, but(not sure) and it also appears the shroud might slide out going down if one removes the sway bar(PIA) shroud will for sure if I remove the water pump what a (PIA)
Sheeeese not to change the subject but it took all of 30min to remove the Rad in my 1967 firebird 400....... I think my wife(her vet)that she bought this PIA just to drive me
I though about cutting out a 3"x 3" notch to allow the pump shaft to pass through the should, but I just hate to mod good 36 year old parts. What a PIA.
It does appear the rad might silde up and out with the shroud is loose, but(not sure) and it also appears the shroud might slide out going down if one removes the sway bar(PIA) shroud will for sure if I remove the water pump what a (PIA)
Sheeeese not to change the subject but it took all of 30min to remove the Rad in my 1967 firebird 400....... I think my wife(her vet)that she bought this PIA just to drive me
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
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From: Brighton
PS surrond =Core support
I case anyone didn't clearly see what he did here, the bolts for the radiator core support are removed from the sides. Then pivoted forward, allowing room for the radiator to slide in and out. Some older manuals will have you removing an A-arm to get his done and that's just crazy talk.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 243
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From: Canton MI
I recently removed the radiator in my small block 73. I left the shroud in place during the removal. I found this radiator removal/installation to be one of the biggest PITA that I have undertaken on this car. I don't know how similiar your car is to mine, but i would be glad to post some pics of the process later this evening. I know now why you see alot of these cars running around without shrouds. I sure hope this process with a BB is easier. I had to remove the fan and pulley. A previous owner had modded the shroud to make the removal/installation easier. The modes are not really to noticeable to the casual observer.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Excellent write up! That's how it is done correctly.
PS surrond =Core support
I case anyone didn't clearly see what he did here, the bolts for the radiator core support are removed from the sides. Then pivoted forward, allowing room for the radiator to slide in and out. Some older manuals will have you removing an A-arm to get his done and that's just crazy talk.
PS surrond =Core support
I case anyone didn't clearly see what he did here, the bolts for the radiator core support are removed from the sides. Then pivoted forward, allowing room for the radiator to slide in and out. Some older manuals will have you removing an A-arm to get his done and that's just crazy talk.
Thanks Jim & Tom thats the key I needed unbolt the (core support) and use cardboard for protection.
AGAIN THANKS GUYS
PS Tom........Great Radiator
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Tampa, Florida
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: AL
I have a 71 small block car, and getting the shroud and radiator out wan't that bad of a job, but each one can be different. Here's something I learned - the core helps support the front end. If you have the core out for a long time, the front end will sag. I had mine out while I was replacing my engine, and the front end was on jack stands for several months. When I went to put everything back in, the holes on each side of the core didn't line up - probably off by a quarter inch. I finally got it bolted back in by letting it sit on the wheels overnight and a little persuasion
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