Radiator Swap: STOP. Do Not Cut the Shroud!
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- Опубліковано 18 вер 2024
- In this episode of the C3 Corvette radiator replacement series for my '76 C3 Stingray, I cover the following steps...
1. Test-fitting the new aluminum radiator
2. Double-checking my modified lower rad mount for drain-valve clearance
3. Test-fitting the radiator shroud
4. Having crazy notions about cutting the shroud to install it
5. Coming to the conclusion (thankfully) that cutting it is not the answer
6. Connecting the lower radiator hose
7. Installing the shroud
8. And more!
And yes, as you will see I was really thinking about trimming a "small portion" of the shroud to make installation easier. The answer, however, was simply to pull the radiator support about an inch farther out (toward the nose of the car). That made installation a matter of dropping the shroud in place.
Lesson learned?
If you are unable to install the shroud, it's not the shroud's fault.
Also, if I, an average DIYer with average automotive tools-excluding my portable QuickJack lift-can manage to remove the old copper and brass radiator and install a new 3-row aluminum rad in place, and make it look like it was done at the Corvette St. Louis, MO Assembly Plant, then so can other DIYers.
Thank you for watching! 🙂👍🏻
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DISCLAIMER: Even though I like to wrench on my Corvette and most of my videos are of a how-to nature, I am not responsible nor liable should you decide to follow my musings on the subject.
The repairs and other work I do are for my own benefit and entertainment, and even though my videos may sound and appear to give technical how-to advice, that's not my intention.
Working on a vehicle is inherently dangerous. If you're not confident, qualified, or lack the tools to do the job correctly and safely, hire a licensed mechanic.
#corvettec3 #c3 #c3corvette
I am prepping to remove the water pump, timing gear set, probably the oil pan… and discovered that whoever changed out the radiator prior to my ownership, split the shroud in two halves. It was a very neat job, but it surprised me when I discovered it.
Cut on top, and bottom middle. The reinforced with blind plates riveted in place. Almost invisible.
As long as it looks good and does its job, you have nothing to worry about. 😊👍🏻
I watched it on Corvette Ben they u put the fan shroud on with the radiator completely out. Then u slide in the radiator. It goes in wayyyy easier like that
I am sure, but then you still need to wrestle with the lower hose which is very challenging with the shroud on. But I may give that approach a try if the need ever arises. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻
Do you use a lower radiator hose spring on your car? Mine had one but it was rusted to pieces, and would’ve been sucked into the water pump.
No, and fortunately, have had no issues. 😊👍🏻
@@76vetteThanks
Those water pump studs just screw out. Made my install much easier...
No doubt. But as I mention in the video, I used red thread locker for mine when i installed the new water pump. Nevertheless, had plenty of room with the headlamp actuators out of the way.
@@76vette Quick tip; Red (any color) Threadlocked bolts can be easily removed by heating with propane torch...
The rad slides in and out with the shroud still in, just keep it towards the engine. Thats how it's done in the factory. Easy pesy in and out without fighting the shroud. The shroud easily comes out and goes back in then.