Spook

Well I got the same issues as many I am sure with the radiator support bracket. I am just looking at what my options are... any help would be great. I could always fab my own lil pieces to make up for the bottom part being all FUBAR. What do you all recommend?

Cheep is always good too...

Spook
:reddevil

cardo0

Yea man they ain't cheap but at once every thirty years a new one will out last the rest of the drive train. Bought a replacement from Zip and fit great. Cheaper than buying a sandblaster and welder to repair the old thing.
BTW I noticed Bubba had used long bolts to draw the brackets into the core support and created a leak. Leak dribbled onto lower end of support metal and corroded it away until the leak corroded it’s self shut on the core.
:yesnod:

killain

I did the year before last, and it is wiser to just buy a new one, rustproof the insides as best you can and bolt it in. Sometimes you can fix one, but considering all the work to take it out and fix and put it back in it's really better just to get a new one and be done with it. It gonna last a lot longer so you won't be doing thisa job twice. :yesnod:

vincevette

I just purchased one 2 weeks ago. My was pretty bad. I mad freinds with a guy that has a body shop that deals in corvettes, and he order one for me at his cost. I paid $208.00 for mine and traded it out by working on his boat. His been my go to guy for a lot of stoff. will thats my .02. Vince :cheers:

Nomad78SA

I was able to fabricated and repair mine but time was not a issue....and money was..
Just buy a new one and be done with it.
Neil in Tenn

mrvette

I blew about 240 bux at a show price during the last actual Cypress Gardens show in '97 or so, and that unit was much lighter than original eve with all the rust.....and the original was real swiss cheese....man it was sicko....

to do it again, I"d just get with my buddy the welder, and make one up, spend more time and effort, but have a better unit too.....but would cost maybe as much as 20 bux for metal...maybe....

GENE

Edzred72

Yes, it's a common issue with these cars and its best to just replace. My 77 was perfect, so I rustproofed it. The 72 is a rust bucket and not repairable, so I'm also looking for one. Cheapest "new" I've found was from Dr. Rebuild. ($289.00) I've called every bone yard and used part guy I know...not one to be had.
Good Luck
Eddie

markdtn

I would replace it. Unless you have a lot of time and some fancy metalworking tools, you will be better served to just buy one new. You can use a different year if originality is not an issue. I have a 76L-81 one in my 69. I like the way the radiator attaches better also. I have electric fans, but without them you would probably have to change shrouds.

TedH

I bought a $299 piece from Zip a couple years ago. It fit perfectly. Best to go with a solid new piece in my opinion.

LemansBlue68

If it's just the bracket that's rusted you can buy replacements from Zip or Corvette Central. They're about $10 each. Then take the radiator support and the brackets to a welding shop. I had a guy weld mine on for $20. My support was rock solid except for the brackets that support the radiator. '68 big block rad supports also do not grow on trees so for an expenditure of $40 fixing it was a much more attractive alternative.

killain

$208.00? that's a hell of a good price. Mine cost 350.00.

NHvette

:iagree: - but opted to repair mine. I already had all the equipemnt - and even
a donor support - for reference or 'pieces'.
Here are two threads that cover my repairs:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=533389
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=536014

I never posted any pictures when it was completely done - but you get the idea.
You probably want to buy one.
:seeya