alyle5864

I recently picked up a replacement fan shroud for $25 and decided to replace my old broken shroud. One week and a half later its done, won't be done again.

Had to remove both upper A-Arms, radiator support and fan. Went to pull the radiator and when I put a wrench on the drain plug, the collar broke right off. After the radiator drained I pulled it out and found that its seen better days, numerous repairs to the core. Ordered an all aluminum radiator and went with pulling the shroud. Installed the new shroud when the new radiator came. Got the front end back together and started to hook everything up. That's when I found the trans cooler lines were shot. Nice red pool under the car.

Trip down to the auto parts store and new fittings and she's back together. Then decided to replace the ball joints as one was in bad shape. Now she' running again.

Man, never thought it would be so much work. Was going to install the ignition shields I had also picked up( full OEM set from a '77 L82) but have decided not to press my luck right now. Guess I'll put the shields away for now as I like the way I've got the engine compartment looking.

Roco71

Sounds like you got in front of a few issues that could have left you on the side of the road. Now you can drive it with confidence.

'75

Yep, it's best to get it done while you're there, waiting usually costs more. Plus now you have peace of mind.

parkerracing

UberLegend

Those items are behind you now.

Tim H

I took off the fan and radiator out and put it all back together in maybe and hour and a half.
ARe you sure in the heat of the moment you didn't forget what you were doing and went a little too far????

Fastclient

ahhh the joys of owning a corvette... nothing is ever as easy as it first appears. Give yourself a pat on the back tho, you took care of a lot of problems that up until the used radiator shroud came in your life you didn't even know existed. Good job!

alyle5864

I tried to get the shroud out without pulling the radiator, that's why the A-Arms came out. When I couldn't get it out, I then pulled the radiator and support. The trans lines were easier to deal with when the A-Arms were off.

HOOAH

Yep, just think; That won't have to be done for another 30+ years. I've got a small leak on the left side of my radiator too. For the reason you just described, I'm not messin with it till this winter when the engine comes out (will be easier that way). Plus I'm preparing myself for the domino effect of replacement parts too.

Railroadman

That was a couple flat-bed rides just waiting to happen! Be glad you found them in the garage and repaired them at your own pace, not after you were stranded!

682XLR8

New rad one less thing to have to worry about

MrJlr

Sometimes "while I'm at it" isn't because you got **** about it - it's because the old beast forces you to !

But the other replies are right...you got a bunch of other problems fixed that were gonna have to be fixed anyway...



P.S. When I removed my shroud (and saved it in my rafters), I went DeWits alum rad and duel fans....I'll NEVER put that shroud back on again !!! What a PITA !

rugerm44

I changed the radiator and core support in about 4 hours.That's on a 71.Mine had the metal shroud.