Radiator Shroud replacement
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
Radiator Shroud replacement
Well, I finally got the 383 stroker installed, and when I went to put some liquid in the radiator, I found out I put a hole in it while stuffing the radiator and shroud in the tightest slit imaginable. A bit depressing.
I'm hoping that its repariable, but I also hope there is an easier way or better way. Like an aftermarket shorud that goes in like butter. I don't want to ever take this out again. Searched the threads, and dont see anything on this expect a reference to that it took longer to pull the radiator than the motor. I couldn't agree more.
You guys have been a wealth of info so far, so I am hoping for a little magic here.
I'm hoping that its repariable, but I also hope there is an easier way or better way. Like an aftermarket shorud that goes in like butter. I don't want to ever take this out again. Searched the threads, and dont see anything on this expect a reference to that it took longer to pull the radiator than the motor. I couldn't agree more.
You guys have been a wealth of info so far, so I am hoping for a little magic here.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno California
Fan shroud are a bitch. Some will say it's not to bad. What I did was got a cardboard and covered the inside fins, that way you protect it when trying to pry it in. I also cut the lower two bolts of the radiator support shorter so I can pull the lower fan shroud passed it to go in the hole. It's way too long anyhow. Make sure the fan is off too. My little tip.
When you take it off and on so many times you forget how you did it , your just glad it went back in, and like you said, you don't want to do it again.
When you take it off and on so many times you forget how you did it , your just glad it went back in, and like you said, you don't want to do it again.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
Shorud and radiator are out once again. Took about 15-20 minutes to pull it out by myself. I writing this for those that may have to do it, and to make sure I remember how it goes back.
A) Remove fan (4 Nuts)
B) Remove top radiator brackets (4 bolts)
C) Remove top shroud bracket (2 Screws)
D) Remove top and bottom hoses, drain fluid of course
E) Lift raditor and shroud up about 2 inches
F) Twist shroud counterclockwise to a 45 degree angle
G) Pull the s*** out of the shroud to release it from the drivers side A-frame.
H) Gently lift the radiator out while leaning over the front with some good padding over the nose.
I'll let you know if the 45 degree angle works in reverse. If not, then it's electrics fans. Not worth damaging the radiator again.
A) Remove fan (4 Nuts)
B) Remove top radiator brackets (4 bolts)
C) Remove top shroud bracket (2 Screws)
D) Remove top and bottom hoses, drain fluid of course
E) Lift raditor and shroud up about 2 inches
F) Twist shroud counterclockwise to a 45 degree angle
G) Pull the s*** out of the shroud to release it from the drivers side A-frame.
H) Gently lift the radiator out while leaning over the front with some good padding over the nose.
I'll let you know if the 45 degree angle works in reverse. If not, then it's electrics fans. Not worth damaging the radiator again.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Long Jetty NSW
I also had a lot of problems with the shroud -- just couldn't get it back in. My solution was to cut the shroud in half, right down the middle. I then made up a couple of aluminium plates to hold it together when it's back in. I put the left side in first, then the right side. Once it's bolted up, the only tell tale is the cut at the top of the shroud. So far, nobody has even noticed it. The shroud had already been hacked about by someone, so I wasn't concerned about cutting up a good shroud. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
I also had a lot of problems with the shroud -- just couldn't get it back in. My solution was to cut the shroud in half, right down the middle. I then made up a couple of aluminium plates to hold it together when it's back in. I put the left side in first, then the right side. Once it's bolted up, the only tell tale is the cut at the top of the shroud. So far, nobody has even noticed it. The shroud had already been hacked about by someone, so I wasn't concerned about cutting up a good shroud.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
A friend suggested a similar solution, but to only cut the bottom, then squeeze the to sides together, slide it down in place and spread them into position, then add the bottom plate as you did. He said he did this on his 72 many years ago, and it worked fine. I think I will try that first before cutting the top. I'll report back on the results this weekend.
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