73 Radiator Change
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
73 Radiator Change
It took taking the radiator loose to get the fan shroud out. Even then, I had to use brute force to pry it out. How on earth do I get it back in with the new radiator in place? There has to be an easier way. I would think the radiator should go in and then the shroud. Help!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 19
From: Canboro Ontario
Not sure if you have an A/C car or not, which would put the condenser in the way. But if you have everything loose, keep the rad and the shroud together in your hands, maybe with a buddy each side, you should be able to tilt the two together into place.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 36
From: Cedar Park TX
On my 73, I found it easier to remove the top 4 side radiator core support bolts (access from the wheel wells), loosen the bottom two, then pull the whole assembly towards the front of the car. Radiator pull straight up and out.
just my 2 cents...
just my 2 cents...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
correct. you cannot remove the shroud untill the radiator is removed or re-install the shroud until the radiator is re-installed first.
To do either, first remove the top two and middle two sets of bolts on the core support and tilt it as far forward against the headlight vacumn valves as possible 9with the A/C condenser it won't move forward very much but the extra inch or two does make a difference.
the radiator should be able to lift out now than the shroud can come out.
To reinstall, still have the core support tilted forward and slide the shroud in and moved/tilted as far back as possible. I actually kinda "hung" it up on my fan to keep it out of the way than slid the radiator back in.
No matter what you do expect the rad and shroud to be a real PITA on both removal and re-install. I've R&R'd the rad about 7 times when I had my '78 and it some days it was just a complete fight and other times it came out as easy as pie.
To do either, first remove the top two and middle two sets of bolts on the core support and tilt it as far forward against the headlight vacumn valves as possible 9with the A/C condenser it won't move forward very much but the extra inch or two does make a difference.
the radiator should be able to lift out now than the shroud can come out.
To reinstall, still have the core support tilted forward and slide the shroud in and moved/tilted as far back as possible. I actually kinda "hung" it up on my fan to keep it out of the way than slid the radiator back in.
No matter what you do expect the rad and shroud to be a real PITA on both removal and re-install. I've R&R'd the rad about 7 times when I had my '78 and it some days it was just a complete fight and other times it came out as easy as pie.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: some hole in the ground town- camp verde:) arizona
stupid question- did you take the fan off??? it makes it so much easier. i agree with removing the top support bolts from within the wheel well. the fan is easy to put back in with the shroud in place. i'm speaking from exp. here.
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 36
From: Cedar Park TX
I did remove the fan, pulleys, and water pump before figuring out that the radiator support needed to be moved... I re-installed the pump and pulleys and left the fan off before installing the radiator.
Side note: the top bolts for the radiator support can be gotton to. I had a small metal tab in the way which I just forced out of the way.
Not to bad, just takes time
good luck
Side note: the top bolts for the radiator support can be gotton to. I had a small metal tab in the way which I just forced out of the way.
Not to bad, just takes time
good luck
