Radiator removal
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I have had mine out a few times with the hood on. I have also taken out the motor a couple of times with the hood on,also the radiator support with the hood on. I'm a glutton for punishment. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 1
From: Liberty Missouri
The hood comes off in a snap and it’s not heavy, I would say take the hood off, but it can be done with the hood in place. If you do pull the hood be sure to mark around the hinges so when you put it back on you wont need to readjust it.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Oldsmar FL
I just took the radiator out of my '79 last week and I didn't even think about taking the hood off...just put my new Dewitt's in this past Monday...it really wasn't that difficult, take your time...my opinion, leave your hood on...
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Did anyone have problems with the shroud when you took out the radiator?
I had all sorts of problems, removed the fan and clutch assembly and then just ended up cutting the shroud out of frustration. Ordering a radiator was another hassle, I think my 73 has some 72 parts to it. As every 73 radiator I ordered wouldn't fit right width ways. So I ended up just re-coring what was "original".
Is this normal?
I had all sorts of problems, removed the fan and clutch assembly and then just ended up cutting the shroud out of frustration. Ordering a radiator was another hassle, I think my 73 has some 72 parts to it. As every 73 radiator I ordered wouldn't fit right width ways. So I ended up just re-coring what was "original".
Is this normal?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 8
From: Illinois
Just took my radiator out, had it recored, and reinstalled this week. Didn't take the hood off.
1. Remove fan & clutch.
2. Remove shroud--mine came in two pieces:small piece with 3 screws and larger piece with two screws attaching to the top of the radiator support and two attaching to the bottom. You have to disconnect the radiator hoses and get it in the right position then it comes out.
3. Radiator in held in by two shroud brackets on the top (each has two bolts) and then lift it out--make sure not to punch a hole in it--need two people and watch when removing.
4. Check you radiator support--mine was rusted so I had to replace it. Easy to remove but a PITA to get back in--holes did want to line up the same as the old one. Put in the 3 screws on each side first and the bottom two bolts last--had to drill out the hole on one.
5. Getting the recored radiator in was also a PITA. The holes on the shroud brackets were hard to get lined up. Do one side first--that's not to bad. It's the second side that is a bear. Took me 4 hours to get those to bolts in. If they are not in perfect alignment I couldn't get the threads started. I'm sure this would have been must easier with the hood off--but I did want to scratch, dink, crack, or mess the hood up.
Hope this helps.
1. Remove fan & clutch.
2. Remove shroud--mine came in two pieces:small piece with 3 screws and larger piece with two screws attaching to the top of the radiator support and two attaching to the bottom. You have to disconnect the radiator hoses and get it in the right position then it comes out.
3. Radiator in held in by two shroud brackets on the top (each has two bolts) and then lift it out--make sure not to punch a hole in it--need two people and watch when removing.
4. Check you radiator support--mine was rusted so I had to replace it. Easy to remove but a PITA to get back in--holes did want to line up the same as the old one. Put in the 3 screws on each side first and the bottom two bolts last--had to drill out the hole on one.
5. Getting the recored radiator in was also a PITA. The holes on the shroud brackets were hard to get lined up. Do one side first--that's not to bad. It's the second side that is a bear. Took me 4 hours to get those to bolts in. If they are not in perfect alignment I couldn't get the threads started. I'm sure this would have been must easier with the hood off--but I did want to scratch, dink, crack, or mess the hood up.
Hope this helps.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
Just helped a friend pull the radiator out of his Pace Car without removing the hood, shroud or AC condenser. Covered both sides of the radiator with cardboard to protect the radiator. He had the radiator drained, fan & clutch off and the hoses off.
Took about 10 minutes & it was out.
Took about 10 minutes & it was out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 4
From: Okinawa Okinawa
Once you get everything drained and the fan out of the way, 10 minutes is right on track for taking out with two people. Most of the work is done by then.
Much easier when the hood is off but I do mine with the hood on. I guess I'm another stuborn guy that likes to make things hard on myself.
Much easier when the hood is off but I do mine with the hood on. I guess I'm another stuborn guy that likes to make things hard on myself.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
Once you get everything drained and the fan out of the way, 10 minutes is right on track for taking out with two people. Most of the work is done by then.
Much easier when the hood is off but I do mine with the hood on. I guess I'm another stuborn guy that likes to make things hard on myself.
Much easier when the hood is off but I do mine with the hood on. I guess I'm another stuborn guy that likes to make things hard on myself.
