should I remove my hood?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 177
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From: MISSISSAUGA ONTARIO
should I remove my hood?
Anybody who has replaced there radiator and rad cradle remove there hood, or do you think i can get them in and out with the hood on any advise would be appreciated
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
R & Ring the radiator on a 74 C3 is a huge PITA. Generally, the hood comes off first. It's not all that heavy, just awkward to handle. Don't forget to unhook the cowl induction solonoid wiring. Get a buddy to help.
The hard part is that the upper control arms will capture the shroud. Either you need to remove the upper bolts on the radiator support and swivel it forward (the air conditioning condenser will complicate this) to allow enough clearance to remove the radiator. .
Or you remove the forward upper control arm bolts. They are pressed in place. The shoulders of the bolts are knurled to retain them in the frame. You have to tap or push them straight into the spring towers to remove the bolts. Obviously, you must support the lower control arms when you do that.
The hard part is that the upper control arms will capture the shroud. Either you need to remove the upper bolts on the radiator support and swivel it forward (the air conditioning condenser will complicate this) to allow enough clearance to remove the radiator. .
Or you remove the forward upper control arm bolts. They are pressed in place. The shoulders of the bolts are knurled to retain them in the frame. You have to tap or push them straight into the spring towers to remove the bolts. Obviously, you must support the lower control arms when you do that.
Last edited by gcusmano74; May 1, 2013 at 10:03 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
The whole job is far easier with the hood removed. I removed the hood, then the fan from the water pump, loosened all of the rad support bolts and then removed all but the two lower side bolts, this allows the support to be tilted forward which makes it easier to remove the fan shroud. You need to remove the trans oil cooler (if one is fitted) from the front of the radiator which can then be lifted clear ( some fit the core with cardboard covers to prevent damaging it). Now the radiator support can be removed. You may find it easier to put the car on jack stands at the front (not under the middle of the cross member though) and remove the front wheels which allows much easier access to the core support bolts. All this worked for me, others might have a different technique!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: South Bend IN
NCM Sinkhole Donor
On my '79 I removed the shroud and radiator and replaced the radiator with the hood on. I did the job by myself. If you just take your time it can be done. I didn't remove the support, but I am thinking once the shroud and radiator are out it shouldn't be too hard.
