Radiator Help Please

[IndyCobra]

I went to install the radiator today and I'm having difficulty determining where's the best location. I used Lakeway's pictures he sent me and picked up some good tips. I mounted the Chrome radiator hose shrouds so I could account for the larger diameter, and he provided me a measurement on where to drill the mounting holes for the lower mounts. What I need to know is what are the important mistakes to avoid?

Here's my plan, let me know if you think this is okay:

1. Mount the lower brackets using Lakeway's measurement, which is about 2" back from the forward inside edge of the cross member.

2. Lay the radiator back to match the angle on the frame mounting brackets.

3. Mount the radiator so the lower fitting clears the steering rack. That means that the height is whatever the height turns out to be. I assume it will be okay.

Also, I read the information on the Spal fan and it says to raise the fan about 1/4" to 1/2" off the radiator to allow for flexing. Have others done that? It is going to be a pain to raise it and I wanted to make sure others have done this too before I take the instructions lliterally.

Also on the radiator mounting, the flanges are way to soft so I plan to insert spacers that go through both flanges and use longer bolts. If I was supposed to get some steel flat stock to shore up the edges, I can't find it. I'll make a run to the hardware store in the morning to pick some up.

What other "gotchas" should I avoid? Thanks.

[Xavier]

I was not nearly as detailed, but your installation on everything and its measurements sound about right. A few things;

- SPAL sells mounting brackets for the fan that insert into the fan for about $10, they are powder coated and are made for the fan.
- My fan is mounted right to the radiator, I never had an issue about flexing. I used the bracket mentioned above, trimmed them and mounted them to the lower/upper flange of the radiator. Looks great.
- If I had to do it all again, I would not have put mine so much of an angle. LS's angle quite a bit compared to everyone elses, but mine is too much. I do not have any cooling issues, but it does look odd.
- I definitely would havd had someone TIG weld a drain cock on the radiator for easy drainage. This should be a requirement on any radiator.

Hope this helps ~

[Lakeway Cobra]

Indy,
I cut the bottom of the mounts to get the radiator lower and tapped them so they bolt right to the crossmember. I also trimmed some off the top of the lower mounting tabs so the radiator flange would allow some forward/aft "bending" adjustment. My flanges are reinforced with strips of aluminum from Home Depot. You should be able to see all this in the pictures. As a note, I wanted my radiator as far upright as possible for maximum cooling.

The radiator is a process of on and off again and again with much double checking. I would definitely do it with the body on the car as well and the hood test fit on also to make sure you have it low enough as the radiator cap can easily hit the hood.

You got that body on yet?

PM me if you need my cel phone number. Happy to walk you through it as you work on it this weekend.

[Barnsnake]

I would put the lower mounts on and shim/trim them until the lower hose connection just clears the steering rack. With the body mounted and the hood installed and adjusted, reduce the angle of the radiator until the top just clears the hood. On mine the radiator cap and the hood hinge studs were the first points of interference. I shortened the studs so the clearance of the cap to the hood was the determining factor on the final angle.

Note that I have a Griffin radiator and older style lower mounts, so your specifics may be a little different, but the approach should be the same.

My fan is mounted directly on the back of the radiator.

Note: With proper shrouding, the angle of the radiator will make little difference in the cooling efficiency. If the angle is really steep, something to keep the air from going over the top of the radiator becomes more important.

Jim

[sleal]

All good advice--I put mine as tight as I could on the bottom, put the body and hood on a it just made it. I made a slice in some 1/4 inch or 3/8 fuel line and high temp siliconed it to the edge of the fan all the way around so that the rubber was againest the radiator instead of the plastic, it gave it the little bit of spacing and made it more secure when attached, it didn't sit as well directly on the radiator

[Lawler]

Tapping the brackets is the way to go. Especiallyi if you ever have to pull the radiator cuz your engined failed.

This is how I mounted my fan. I fabricated a bracket that stood the fan away the required distance. Also mind the lower neck and make certain that it will never rub on the cross memeber. Get it as close as you can but leave some room for movement. You will need to place the body on with hood to make sure the radiator cap will not it. I had t cut down one stud on each side of the hood because they were hitting the radiator. I also had to find a round radiator cap. The fit is tight.

Kinton

[IndyCobra]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Kinton, that's a great idea. I may end up duplicating that.

I got as far as the lower mounts, which I welded to the cross member rather than bolt down. I shortened them some and then used Lakeway Randy's measurement. I'm now working on getting the body test fit before determining the final mounting. I had to finish up the body buck first. I have the inital cuts made so I will test fit the body this afternoon, if I can convince my boys to come down and help out. It will probably take Momma to cook them dinner.