Lower Radiator Support Opinions: Weld or Replace?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 594
Likes: 6
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Lower Radiator Support Opinions: Weld or Replace?
I've heard some recommend to weld and some recommend to replace. personally I'd rather weld it because it seems like a cheaper alternative but mine seems to be in fairly bad shape so I wanted to get some opinions before I order one on eBay! pics show a crack in the curved spot, hanging down from where it should be bolted, and how my "fang" is hanging below the bumper.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
Yes, you will have to pull it off either way, but I would disagree with the above posters and would absolutely weld it rather than replace it. If you weld it, you will end up with a better, stronger part. If you replace it, you will end up with the same little spot welds and a part that is the same as before. More money for a part that is no better.
Contrary to standard Forum policy, spending more money is not always a better way to go.
Contrary to standard Forum policy, spending more money is not always a better way to go.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 594
Likes: 6
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Lower Radiator Support Opinions: Weld or Replace?
new part actually got here in one day surprisingly. I assume it should be painted as I see some areas of just cut aluminum. any preference on black rustoleum or plastidip or some other spray??
also, some welds are fairly unimpressive. I'd probably advise others to have a welder work their magic if it isn't too damaged but mines already here so we'll see what happens!
also, some welds are fairly unimpressive. I'd probably advise others to have a welder work their magic if it isn't too damaged but mines already here so we'll see what happens!
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 594
Likes: 6
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Lower Radiator Support Opinions: Weld or Replace?
not terribly impressed with the quality. I'm not by any means a welder (I've never welded) but I've seen some damn good welds and these don't impress me!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 594
Likes: 6
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Lower Radiator Support Opinions: Weld or Replace?
thought I'd update everyone.
went ahead and replaced it and it was maybe 3 hours of work without my down time waiting on the rivnuts and learning how to use them lol.
just jack up the front, pull off the wheels, pull off the inner wheel wells and the brake duct and you're there!
support the radiator with a jack while you pull off the support with the 4 bolts and re assemble!
you also have to move the air dam and horn over to the new support after you install the rivnuts.
overall maybe a 3/10 on difficulty.
went ahead and replaced it and it was maybe 3 hours of work without my down time waiting on the rivnuts and learning how to use them lol.
just jack up the front, pull off the wheels, pull off the inner wheel wells and the brake duct and you're there!
support the radiator with a jack while you pull off the support with the 4 bolts and re assemble!
you also have to move the air dam and horn over to the new support after you install the rivnuts.
overall maybe a 3/10 on difficulty.
