radiator support
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 13,300
Likes: 16
From: TX
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
radiator support
does anyone know of a cheap source for a radiator support for a 76 early design? (I think a 69 to 76 with a/c is the same support).
I have had no luck finding a used one (posted in c3 parts wanted) and cant see paying around $300.00 for a new one that is thinner steel than the original. :eek:
anyone?
[Modified by bhblue80, 3:57 PM 6/6/2003]
I have had no luck finding a used one (posted in c3 parts wanted) and cant see paying around $300.00 for a new one that is thinner steel than the original. :eek:
anyone?
[Modified by bhblue80, 3:57 PM 6/6/2003]
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Helotes TEXAS
Re: radiator support (bhblue80)
I got lucky and found mine on Ebay. It was about $100 and rust free. You just never know what you're gonna get on Ebay, could have just as easily been a peice of junk.
Someone may have more detail, but I don't think they are the same for all those years.
Someone may have more detail, but I don't think they are the same for all those years.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Re: radiator support (bhblue80)
I feel your pain! My (new) replacement was $$$ as well. As prone to rust out as these supports are, I would be very careful with buying used.
There was a thread many months ago where a guy had fabricated a new SS support to go with his new aluminum radiator. It looked great, but I don't think it was cheap.
There was a thread many months ago where a guy had fabricated a new SS support to go with his new aluminum radiator. It looked great, but I don't think it was cheap.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: radiator support (bhblue80)
I think your best bet is fabbing up something with a friend who can weld, and have over with it......I didn't know anyone back when I did mine about5-6 years ago....so I bought the aftermarket thin repro for 225 bux at a car show...think it was the '97 Cypress Gardens show...not sure...maybe '98....
at any rate I drilled drain holes in it for stopping rust problems...also in my replacement but still solid front frame thwart, what that support rests on....
GENE
at any rate I drilled drain holes in it for stopping rust problems...also in my replacement but still solid front frame thwart, what that support rests on....
GENE
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 3
From: South Central Louisiana
St. Jude Contributor
Re: radiator support (mrvette)
The first part I sold off of my 80 was the radiator support. Not that its the same as yours, just to say they are a hot item. I could have sold four more if I had them.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 13,300
Likes: 16
From: TX
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Re: radiator support (LAvetteman)
I have seen a few used ones- but none for my year.
I wonder- is there really that much difference between the various C3 rad support designs? Maybe a different year support would work with a few mods (bolt hole locations) - anyone know?
I wonder- is there really that much difference between the various C3 rad support designs? Maybe a different year support would work with a few mods (bolt hole locations) - anyone know?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 462
Likes: 1
From: York PA
Re: radiator support (bhblue80)
I know of no cheap source...but after literally months of waiting for what turned out to be wrong part numbers or flimsy, incorrectly built repros which I had to return, I ordered a GM from http://www.vipcorvette.com/. Be sure to measure your bottom saddle bracket distance and shroud support stud spacing...from what I was told these may vary since our 76 was a transition year on this part. Also, my original had captive nuts welded to hold the upper saddle brackets - the replacement from GM does NOT have these, so I had to have a guy weld nuts there. Forget which size...oh, and Doc Rebuild sells hardware kits which contain the nut/bolts/shims etc. to replace the rusty old stuff. If you need the info, email me and I'll try to dig it up -maybe get some pics.Good Luck!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: radiator support (bhblue80)
The rusted ones can sometimes be repaired.
Here are pics of the job I did on mine:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=536014
Here is another post of the support(s) before starting:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=533389
:seeya
[Modified by NHvette, 11:33 PM 6/6/2003]
Here are pics of the job I did on mine:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=536014
Here is another post of the support(s) before starting:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=533389
:seeya
[Modified by NHvette, 11:33 PM 6/6/2003]