Radiator Removal
08-26-2010, 10:53 PM
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Radiator Removal
OK, I am in need of help. I want to remove the radiator on my '74 L82, but don't know what to do
. I searched through the forum, but all I read was to remove three bolts. What bolts are those? Any pics?
. I searched through the forum, but all I read was to remove three bolts. What bolts are those? Any pics?
08-27-2010, 12:27 AM
#5
Melting Slicks
Has anyone actually removed it using those instructions? I just removed mine recently and the only reason I was able to do it was because someone previously butchered the shroud. I don't think I could have removed the lower hose from the radiator (#3 in the instructions) without removing the shroud. I also don't think I could have done #8 because I think the shroud would hit the wheel wells and prevent it from tipping.
08-27-2010, 01:13 AM
#6
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I removed my radiator in my 71 454 with a/c........I got it out without removing the shroud. Not easy but duable. I tied the shroud back up against the engine.......the fan blade was removed.
The only snag/problem was the lower radiator hose connector would not clear the a/c compressor unless I rotated the rad clock wise as it was lifted out.........the driver side of the rad was now at the 11 O'clock position before it would clear the a/c unit pulley.
Big pia for sure, could only do it with a help from my son.....the new rad had to go in just as the old one came out.
I can give you a small tip...........I taped cardboard over the rad fins on both sides..........I used the box it came in.........perfect protection,once installed it easy to pull tape and remove the cardboard incerts,without this cardboard I would have damaged the fins for sure.
Good Luck
The only snag/problem was the lower radiator hose connector would not clear the a/c compressor unless I rotated the rad clock wise as it was lifted out.........the driver side of the rad was now at the 11 O'clock position before it would clear the a/c unit pulley.
Big pia for sure, could only do it with a help from my son.....the new rad had to go in just as the old one came out.
I can give you a small tip...........I taped cardboard over the rad fins on both sides..........I used the box it came in.........perfect protection,once installed it easy to pull tape and remove the cardboard incerts,without this cardboard I would have damaged the fins for sure.
Good Luck
08-27-2010, 09:56 AM
#10
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The assembly instruction manual (AIM) or GM chassis service manual will help.
08-27-2010, 10:23 AM
#11
Team Owner
#6 is if you have an automatic tranny...otherwise, skip that item.
If the shroud is out, removing the radiator is a 'piece of cake'--if you have two people. As mentioned, you have to 'roll' the radiator out of its position by lifting up the left side first, so the lower outlet will clear the stuff on the right side.
Now, getting that all back in the car without damaging it is a "trick". The worst part is reinstalling the shroud. But, it can be done.....I did it.
If the shroud is out, removing the radiator is a 'piece of cake'--if you have two people. As mentioned, you have to 'roll' the radiator out of its position by lifting up the left side first, so the lower outlet will clear the stuff on the right side.
Now, getting that all back in the car without damaging it is a "trick". The worst part is reinstalling the shroud. But, it can be done.....I did it.
08-30-2010, 01:07 AM
#14
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Well, I got the radiator out. It wasn't too bad, but it put up a but of a fight to get it out. At least till my dad came and figured out that I had to push it forward and the push up one side, like you guys said. Thanks guys for helping me figure this one out. This is why I love this forum.
. This is why I love this forum.
08-30-2010, 09:45 AM
#15
Burning Brakes
Has anyone actually removed it using those instructions? I just removed mine recently and the only reason I was able to do it was because someone previously butchered the shroud. I don't think I could have removed the lower hose from the radiator (#3 in the instructions) without removing the shroud. I also don't think I could have done #8 because I think the shroud would hit the wheel wells and prevent it from tipping.
The big issue was the lower hose neck hits the A-arm and the shroud, and the shroud hits the a-arm.
Be sure to connect the lower rad hose before you put the shroud in or it will be extremely difficult to do.
No amount of lifting, twisting, angling, etc would remove the rad or the shroud. In the end I cut the shroud in half, removed the shroud extension and rotated the shroud out of the car. Once the shroud was out the rad was able to be removed.
08-30-2010, 10:52 AM
#17
Le Mans Master
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C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Has anyone actually removed it using those instructions? I just removed mine recently and the only reason I was able to do it was because someone previously butchered the shroud. I don't think I could have removed the lower hose from the radiator (#3 in the instructions) without removing the shroud. I also don't think I could have done #8 because I think the shroud would hit the wheel wells and prevent it from tipping.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-radiator.html
08-30-2010, 11:36 AM
#18
Burning Brakes
I'm trying to remember if I would have been able to follow those instructions. I don't think so. Since I was putting in electric fans I just cut the shroud into a few pieces and then just popped the radiator up and out. It was really easy to get the new one in though. It was a job for just an afternoon.
I did it with the hood off.
I did it with the hood off.
08-30-2010, 12:32 PM
#19
Drifting
I also found that cutting some cardboard and taping it to the core on both sides helps to avoid any damage.
I've taken mine out 2 or three times and it's always a battle getting it past the A Arm on the pass. side. I've always done it with the hood off and with a helper.
I've taken mine out 2 or three times and it's always a battle getting it past the A Arm on the pass. side. I've always done it with the hood off and with a helper.
08-30-2010, 05:13 PM
#20
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Yeah, those "Radiator Removal" instruction weren't much help, just like the Haynes manual. The radiator support pic was helpful since it allowed me to see where the top bracket bolts were. I have the complete front end apart, so it wasn't that much of a pain to remove the radiator. I don't think I would've been able to remove it with the shroud on though.