Radiator Replacement (AND front end !?)
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Mountain View California
Radiator Replacement (AND front end !?)
I am a frequent reader and infrequent poster... primarily because I am a relative newbee to Corvettes. Not new to old Chevys, but new to Corvettes for sure. I bought my '72 convertible / auto / AC / SB, former L48+ ;-) from my father a couple years back. Car is in good shape so I am looking to maintain and make progress here and there. 
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink
Dad's no longer around to ask questions of so thanks to all on the forum for your posts past and future. I've gotten to know the car through a few small projects, but nothing major so far.
I started a new radiator project a few days back. Thanks to the forum I got the rad out with relatively little pain. Now that I am getting a good look at the front end I'd like to share some pics and get a few perspectives.
RADIATOR:
I have been planning on a BeCool OE style radiator replacement. However, the Harrison that I pulled looks to be in decent shape apart from a significant dent on the lower tube / outlet. My gut tells me to replace it for reliability and improved cooling, but there is a part of me that is wondering if a professional radiator rebuild makes sense.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink
[IMG]https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/txw1rZNCwYyEjgX29FSGlfoYsANGvjzd114si3jd bdY?feat=directlink[/IMG]https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/74uLCuwFXa1Jt10sAxsGSNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liip Fm0?feat=directlink
Thoughts?
CORE SUPPORT / FRONT END SUPPORT DURING PROJECT
I've seen mixed opinions on the forums regarding the damage that one can do while the core support is out. Looks to me if I leave the bumper in place I should be OK, but would appreciate any perspectives on this. BTW, I found the plate and associated bolts missing from the front of the inner fender that link the glass fender to the steel structure in front of it. Holes don't line up, but front end sits well so planning some minor filing / grind on the glass to allow me to replace the plate & bolts.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XDhN7_r5SLnfxFtrwVsrAtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liip Fm0?feat=directlink
Any watch outs?
A-ARMs & SWAY BAR BUSHINGS
Looks to me like much of these are original or old. Some bulging on the sway are bushing and dry rot on A-arms. Thinking that now is the time to do it with the rad out? Would love an assessment and recommendations or watch outs.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink
Thanks to all.
Best,
Bill
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlinkDad's no longer around to ask questions of so thanks to all on the forum for your posts past and future. I've gotten to know the car through a few small projects, but nothing major so far.
I started a new radiator project a few days back. Thanks to the forum I got the rad out with relatively little pain. Now that I am getting a good look at the front end I'd like to share some pics and get a few perspectives.
RADIATOR:
I have been planning on a BeCool OE style radiator replacement. However, the Harrison that I pulled looks to be in decent shape apart from a significant dent on the lower tube / outlet. My gut tells me to replace it for reliability and improved cooling, but there is a part of me that is wondering if a professional radiator rebuild makes sense.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink[IMG]https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/txw1rZNCwYyEjgX29FSGlfoYsANGvjzd114si3jd bdY?feat=directlink[/IMG]https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/74uLCuwFXa1Jt10sAxsGSNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liip Fm0?feat=directlink
Thoughts?
CORE SUPPORT / FRONT END SUPPORT DURING PROJECT
I've seen mixed opinions on the forums regarding the damage that one can do while the core support is out. Looks to me if I leave the bumper in place I should be OK, but would appreciate any perspectives on this. BTW, I found the plate and associated bolts missing from the front of the inner fender that link the glass fender to the steel structure in front of it. Holes don't line up, but front end sits well so planning some minor filing / grind on the glass to allow me to replace the plate & bolts.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XDhN7_r5SLnfxFtrwVsrAtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liip Fm0?feat=directlinkAny watch outs?
A-ARMs & SWAY BAR BUSHINGS
Looks to me like much of these are original or old. Some bulging on the sway are bushing and dry rot on A-arms. Thinking that now is the time to do it with the rad out? Would love an assessment and recommendations or watch outs.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlinkhttps://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlinkhttps://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlinkThanks to all.
Best,
Bill
Last edited by bwizeman; Jul 7, 2012 at 03:15 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
lose the radiator, its pretty rough.
your 2nd link doesnt work
and those bushings look fine, sway links could be replaced. what you need to look for is dried out , pieces cracking off , rattleing when you hit the brakes or accelerate, and those look like they've been replaced recently.
your 2nd link doesnt work
and those bushings look fine, sway links could be replaced. what you need to look for is dried out , pieces cracking off , rattleing when you hit the brakes or accelerate, and those look like they've been replaced recently.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Mountain View California
Thanks Oldalaska. I see lots of dry, cracked bushings, but nothing falling out and no slop or noise when driving. So I guess a rebuild would be a nice to have but not urgent. Thoughts on poly vs rubber?
