Aluminum Radiator Core Support
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 7
From: Orlando Florida
Aluminum Radiator Core Support
Does anyone here on the forum have the ability to build one? I have seen a few doing a search, but the threads are from a few years back. I have my 75 on a diet and the stock core support is way to heavy. I have an Aluminum Radiator just looking for the core support to reduce weight.
Thanks
Thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,911
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
I welded up an aluminum support several years ago. I made a jig with the stock support and used that to duplicate the dimensions of the original. I then put a coat of semi-gloss black paint over it, and not one person has noticed any NCRS violation there. 
If you're trying to pull weight off the front, that big heavy crossmember under the radiator support is an especially easy item to duplicate in aluminum (with a coat of semi-gloss black paint, of course).
I pulled about 4-5 pounds off each part. This (former) weight is ahead of the front axle centerline, which is the best place to pull out weight.
If you're trying to pull weight off the front, that big heavy crossmember under the radiator support is an especially easy item to duplicate in aluminum (with a coat of semi-gloss black paint, of course).
I pulled about 4-5 pounds off each part. This (former) weight is ahead of the front axle centerline, which is the best place to pull out weight.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 252
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 7
From: Orlando Florida
I welded up an aluminum support several years ago. I made a jig with the stock support and used that to duplicate the dimensions of the original. I then put a coat of semi-gloss black paint over it, and not one person has noticed any NCRS violation there.
If you're trying to pull weight off the front, that big heavy crossmember under the radiator support is an especially easy item to duplicate in aluminum (with a coat of semi-gloss black paint, of course).
I pulled about 4-5 pounds off each part. This (former) weight is ahead of the front axle centerline, which is the best place to pull out weight.
If you're trying to pull weight off the front, that big heavy crossmember under the radiator support is an especially easy item to duplicate in aluminum (with a coat of semi-gloss black paint, of course).
I pulled about 4-5 pounds off each part. This (former) weight is ahead of the front axle centerline, which is the best place to pull out weight.
Thanks for your reply.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 7
From: Orlando Florida
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,911
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
I'm currently fabricating/welding the right side aluminum muffler for the '69. The left side (aluminum) muffler survived last month's track day without any ill consequences, so I'm trying to (mirror image) duplicate that muffler for the right side. The left side muffler was 6# lighter (10# vs 16#) than the steel turbo muffler it replaced, so I'm hoping for another 6# reduction with this piece.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 7
From: Orlando Florida
The pieces look just like mine (before painting). The radiator support takes quite a bit of time and effort due to the shape and curves, while the lower crossmember piece is a pretty quick and easy item to fabricate and weld.
I'm currently fabricating/welding the right side aluminum muffler for the '69. The left side (aluminum) muffler survived last month's track day without any ill consequences, so I'm trying to (mirror image) duplicate that muffler for the right side. The left side muffler was 6# lighter (10# vs 16#) than the steel turbo muffler it replaced, so I'm hoping for another 6# reduction with this piece.
I'm currently fabricating/welding the right side aluminum muffler for the '69. The left side (aluminum) muffler survived last month's track day without any ill consequences, so I'm trying to (mirror image) duplicate that muffler for the right side. The left side muffler was 6# lighter (10# vs 16#) than the steel turbo muffler it replaced, so I'm hoping for another 6# reduction with this piece.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Clint@coffmancorvette.com
Good luck... GUSTO
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 7
From: Orlando Florida
You could try contacting Clint at Coffman Corvette and see what he thinks. They make radiator supports for '63 - '80 Corvettes. If anyone is capable, they certainly are. I suspect if there was enough of a market for them they would do it.
Clint@coffmancorvette.com
Good luck... GUSTO
Clint@coffmancorvette.com
Good luck... GUSTO
