I am trying to find out how to re-install the fan shroud on my '73. It was quite difficult to remove and with the new rad I can't seem to figure out how to put it back in without damaging anything. Can anyone help me?

 

I know on my 79 I had to install the fan shroud, then drop the radiator back in place. I would imagine it would be similar on your car too.

 

That is the way to do it. If I were you I would get rid of the shroud and the fan and replace those with a set of Flex a Lite 210's fans. They will cool your vette just fine and the look sharp and you may gain 5 to hp in the process.

 

I cut mine in half and reassembled with staps and bolts. Rolm's idea sounds very good. Has anyone tried electric fans on their C3?

 

I installed the Support/Rad/shroud as a single unit.

 

My 74 was installed all together: shroud, mount, and radiator... much easier this way.

 

mines also a 73. i found w/radiator in place but not bolted in i could get the shroud in from underneath the car w/some coaxing. not sure if it'll work for u seeing i have a 1pc hood and i had mine hood off. worth a try. good luck

 

Step 1: Open trash bin
2: Put shroud in trash bin
3: close trash bin
4: order Spals
5: install Spals
6: be happy

I hate hate hate the C3 shroud design. It takes up SOOOO much space. Once I get to restoring the cooling system, that ungodly lump is plastic is coming out and never going back in.



See, ain't that purty?

 

Me too. I installed everything as a unit including the lower radiator hose. I was installing a DeWitt's aluminum radiator so the whole unit was not too heavy. It went quite smoothly.

 

When I bought my 73 the shroud had been cut in half, and the lower half was MIA.
When I replaced it I found out why Bubba had done this.
I tried it with the radiator in place, no luck.
I removed the radiator, and was able to get the shroud in, bu then the radiator would not go in because it would hit the AC condensor.
I thought of pulling either the condesor or the core support (or both) but couldn't do that because I didn't have any help to get the hood off and I didn't want to disconnect the AC lines and go through the hassle of recharging the system.

In the end I left the radiator in place, and unbolted the upper control arms (after marking the shims). With the control arms out of the way I had no trouble at all getting the shroud in place.

 

I just did my radiator with a DeWitts aluminum .. Here are the steps

1. be sure the upper hose and lower hose are removed
2. Unbolt the condensor from the top and bottom, so it is hanging.
3. remove the two nuts from the drier, slide it off the two studs.
4. remove the 6 bolts that hold the support to the inner fender wells
5. remove the 2 bolts on that go thru the lower front cross member
6. remove the fan
7. if you can, remove the hood, if not it just makes it WAY harder.

pull the radiator support towrds the front of the car. be carefull not to
crunch the condensor on the vacuum canister for the light assemblies.

This should give you enough room to get radiator out.

once out, put the shroud in the car, lean towards to engine.
put the radiator back in - it will be a PITA to get it past the upper control arm on the passenger side (only if you have AC).

If you still don't have enough room, you can get a bit more by droping the front sway bar, you will then get more wiggling room for the shroud

But - the real best way is to put the radiator, support, and shroud in as one assembly. Have to remove the hood though. The condensor has to be moved backward and tied into position away from the support.

Either way - ROYAL PITA !!!!

Good luck.

Bill

PS .. I heard that SB cars are a little easier than BB cars.

 

Before I went the Flex-a-lite 210 route I cut my shroud in half, made removing and installing soooooo much easier, that being said it was still a huge PITA.

 

This is a tough job, but it can be done as long as you take your time. I had to do it a couple of years ago on my 1970 with A/C. Have patience. I ended up manuvering both the radiator and shroud together and slipping it in. If you are not careful, you could damage the lower mounts on the shroud. This job is much easier if you have your hood off. Loostening your rad support might buy you the quarter/half inch you need as well. Again, be patient.

 

Only six or eight screws hold the radiator support in place. With the hood off, if you assemble the shroud, radiator, hoses and support out of the car, it slips in real easily as an assembly, with no chance of damage, especially if you have A/C. Joe

 

I also must say that I cut the shroud on my 70 BB. I tried to install as one piece but could not get it past the water pump. I also installed a 16" puller Flex-a-lite and re-cored the radiator all at the same time. Just one of those jobs that you have to take your time and do not try to do it alone. :nono: