Lower radiator support
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 929
Likes: 45
From: Wayne NJ
Lower radiator support
Had my 2003 Vette on a lift today for an oil change. Found out the lower radiator support cradle is damaged on the right side. A long rod has broken off where it attaches to a nut so it needs to be welded back on. My repair guy said the front clip needs to be removed to get in there to make the repair. A new cradle is around $3-4 hundred.The damage probably occurred from my driveway apron which is steep. To remedy the situation I will have to raise the ride height up a little after the fix. The car had been lowered years ago and I didn’t realize that those skid plates were part of the lower radiator support. So live and learn.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
A picture would help since there are no bolted in rods. Maybe you mean the rod welded between the front attaching pad towards the back of the cradle.
I think it can come out without removing the front clip, but the front bumper cover may need to be partially removed, or at least have a bunch of the attachment screws removed.
I dropped mine out shortly after I got my car and fixed the flattened skid frames by welding new pieces of heavier tubing in.
I think it can come out without removing the front clip, but the front bumper cover may need to be partially removed, or at least have a bunch of the attachment screws removed.
I dropped mine out shortly after I got my car and fixed the flattened skid frames by welding new pieces of heavier tubing in.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 929
Likes: 45
From: Wayne NJ
Yes you are right it is the rod that is welded in between the front attaching pad towards the back of the cradle. After some research it seems that the whole bumper does not have to be removed.So it looks like the cradle has to come out and the rod welded back on.Do you know if the cradle is steel or aluminum?Thanks LT
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
OK, it can come out relatively easily. It's all steel. I wouldn't be terribly concerned about getting to that right away. That rod being broken really isn't too big a concern as long as it's not hitting against something else and causing damage.
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 740
Likes: 83
From: MN
Avert your eyes, my-car-is-my-baby-and-it-must-stay-factory-correct guys, but you don't need those rods. I cut both of them off my cradle while installing an intercooler because they were in the way. The cradle is still bolted to the frame in two places, it's not going anywhere and it still does its job just fine without the extra support rods.
I would ignore it, and enjoy!
Oh, and as always, careful on those driveways. 
I would ignore it, and enjoy!
Oh, and as always, careful on those driveways.
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