How to replace the radiator 1980
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
How to replace the radiator 1980
I'm going to physically replace my radiator. Another forum member made me a good deal on a very nearly new factory replacement 4 row copper and brass to swap out for my aging 2 row seeper. Part of the plan includes new hoses and foam seals. What is the process to actually do the task? Can I just unbolt the shroud and lean it forward to pull the radiator out? I'm looking for and tips and tricks to make this as painless as possible. Thanks in advance!
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 523
Likes: 4
From: Calgary Alberta
I'm going to physically replace my radiator. Another forum member made me a good deal on a very nearly new factory replacement 4 row copper and brass to swap out for my aging 2 row seeper. Part of the plan includes new hoses and foam seals. What is the process to actually do the task? Can I just unbolt the shroud and lean it forward to pull the radiator out? I'm looking for and tips and tricks to make this as painless as possible. Thanks in advance!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
^^^^ these guys are all doing to much work
Remove the cooling fan. if you don't have a smog pump, it comes right out, if you have a smog pump, you may have to remove that first.
Drain radiator and disconnect the hoses, you get the to the lower hose from under the car.
disconnect tranny lines if an auto.
unbolt fan shroud and push it towards engine
unbolt radiator brackets and pull radiator out. no need to remove the hood or A/C lines.
assemble in reverse order. I had my girlfriend help me reinstall the new radiator. it's easier with two people.
Don't forget to replace the 4 mount cushions when going to a 4 core radiator, they are wider for the wider radiator, they pop right in with no mods though.
you will need radiator seals from a '78 with HD cooling and A/C, the '80 seals for A/C and HD cooling will be too thick, since there was no 4 core offered that year.
Remove the cooling fan. if you don't have a smog pump, it comes right out, if you have a smog pump, you may have to remove that first.
Drain radiator and disconnect the hoses, you get the to the lower hose from under the car.
disconnect tranny lines if an auto.
unbolt fan shroud and push it towards engine
unbolt radiator brackets and pull radiator out. no need to remove the hood or A/C lines.
assemble in reverse order. I had my girlfriend help me reinstall the new radiator. it's easier with two people.
Don't forget to replace the 4 mount cushions when going to a 4 core radiator, they are wider for the wider radiator, they pop right in with no mods though.
you will need radiator seals from a '78 with HD cooling and A/C, the '80 seals for A/C and HD cooling will be too thick, since there was no 4 core offered that year.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
you won't have too
I forgot to mention, when you replace the seals, glue them on with weather strip adhesive, the stock double sided tape will fail the first time the radiator gets hot
I just put a 4 core (size) in mine last week. The Compressor is out so I can do the alignment easier when it's all back together. But I've done the job a few times with it in
I forgot to mention, when you replace the seals, glue them on with weather strip adhesive, the stock double sided tape will fail the first time the radiator gets hot
I just put a 4 core (size) in mine last week. The Compressor is out so I can do the alignment easier when it's all back together. But I've done the job a few times with it in
Last edited by qwank; Feb 28, 2013 at 09:42 AM.
