C3 radiator supports

[John A.]

They all rust out eventually.... I know they are available in the aftermarket, but what is the quality like? How close to OEM are the repo's? Are there any GM licenced repo manufactures out there for RAD supports?

Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 radiator supports

John-----

They don't rust out here in California; my original support is still solid after 34 years (of course, that reality hasn't stopped me from acquiring 6 NOS "spares" including every configuration radiator support ever used on a 69-72 Corvette [NONE for sale]).

Anyway, you're right; in general and in many parts of the country they are life-limited. The only reproduction source that I am aware of for these supports is Coffman Manufacturing of Mansfield, OH. I don't know if their supports are GM-licensed, but I believe that they are. In any event, they are the only ones out there; there aren't even any foreign repros that I'm aware of.

I've never purchased one (and, considering my "inventory", I likely will never be doing so unless I live until I'm about 800 years old). However, I've inspected them carefully and they look great to me. I can't say as far as fitment is concerned, but I would expect them to be ok. They've been in this business for quite a few years (way before there even was a GM Restoration Parts Program), so they must have something right.

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 radiator supports

Joe, I sold and used Ernie Coffmans core supports for several years. They were, for the most part, dead on reproductions.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 radiator supports

I am aware of one nearby shop that has had some difficulty fitting them. The weld nuts on the sides seem to be just a little off - different ones on different supports. They have made them work, but it has taken some effort on each one. Not a big deal if one is prepared for it. Given they are the only game in town, I guess that doesn't matter too much.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 radiator supports

Joe I think Coffman tried to group them together and did not make 6 parts as they are not dead on but as Terry said can be fixed easy to appear like the one you removed for NCRS. Lyle

[George D.]

Re: C3 radiator supports

I used a repro support on my 69 and it worked perfectly (don't remember were I got it from). The configuration was slightly different, again I don't recall the differences it was installed about 6 years ago. Car has received TOP Flight and the support was never commented on by the judges. If you are concerned about originality, perhaps yours can be repaired.

Regards,

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 radiator supports

John, I ordered one, received it, inspected it, and didn't like it.

To me, it just didn't look like my original...I sent it back. In those days (10 years ago?), I was a very tough critic of repro parts. I have probably mellowed a bit. That reproduction radiator support may have improved in ten years, but I expect that the only difference is from tooling wear.

If you only consider the "macro" view, the support was a very close reproduction. My concerns were in the detail of the assembly: the gauge of the material seemed either slightly thinner or softer, resulting in a slightly "tinny" or "puckery" appearance at the seams where it was put together. My opinion was that I could ID one on the judging field, and that has always been my criteria for rejecting repro parts.

I decided that repairing the original would be the better option for me because the damage was limited, and the high cost of the repro support didn't justify the "gain". My support only had a couple of areas (about 4 sq. in. total) where welding new sheet steel would be necessary. If the entire bottom of your support is gone, it's like Terry said...you don't have any options. In my experience, all the used originals found are going to look as bad as yours or worse.

I haven't done the repair yet. Welding the sheet metal will clearly be a challenge (I could still end up with a repro support), but I believe the answer will be the same as welding any sheet metal...a lot of spot welds lasting for only a nanosecond.

[Chuck R.]

Re: C3 radiator supports

My "Rust Belt" 68 core support is pretty well gone in the usual places but I plan on working with my local metal shop to create replacement components.

I would be happy to share my ordeal with the group if interest is expressed.

Chuck 32205

[Chuck S.]

Absolutely...Misery (Or Ecstasy) Loves Company. *NM*

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 radiator supports

Lyle----

Just to clear up some confusion that I may have caused, there were FOUR different supports used from late 1969 through 1972. I have multiple examples of 2 of them.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Glutton for punishment better befits *NM*

[John A.]

Re: C3 radiator supports

Any idea who would supply these "Coffman" supports? Or is the asnwer "everyone"!!!

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 radiator supports

I believe there was a story in The Restorer about welding a radiator support. About 12 or so years ago. Someone have time to look it up on the CD? I would welcome another such article.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 radiator supports

John-----

Since I believe that they have the only game in town, everyone that sells radiator supports presumably sells the Coffman-manufactured supports. For one, Dr. Rebuild carries them.

[Terry F.]

Re: C3 radiator supports

You should watch ebay. I sold an original early 68 rad support for around $100.00 a while back. Early one's don't have the cross bracing and later one's will have the 1/4 inch (approx) rods that run diagonally across the opening of the support (that's been my experience). I see them come up from time to time. As for the one in my car, I repaired it myself. I suspect the little triangular brackets on yours are about ready to fall off at the bottom. A good sheet metal shop can reproduce them. You might be able to make them yourself if you are willing to take the time. Gauge of the metal is not a problem. If I can weld stuff like that with a gas torch, I am sure somebody that knows what they are doing can as well. Just a mater of taking your time. The only parts on mine that was bad were the little saddles that hold the bottom of the radiator. Mine were rusted through and had started to fall off. The brackets at the top of the radiator have the same metal saddle attached to them. I found a set of them and carefully removed the part I needed and transfered it to the lower triangular piece (support). Originally they were sort of Pinch welded together. The sheet metal shop was able to Pinch weld it for me also. If you don't have access to a pinch welder, I have faked pinch welding by drilling a hole through one of the pieces of metal, putting the two pieces together and then welding the two pieces together inside the hole that I drill (hope that makes sence). You can dress the hole up as needed with a small die grinder or bondo. It's not so bad once the radiator support is out of the car. You could call Mike at AFC corvettes in California, he has them around there. Make sure you get a good description and pay only with a VISA so you have leverage if something is not as described (hope that makes sence). If the large triagular supports are rotted, you can carefully cut the bad stuff out. Usually they rot out near the large square nuts that are used to fasten it to the frame. With some care, that area can be fabricated and welded back together. It also depends on how particualar you are of the results. Making things look pretty and being strong enough are sometimes in conflict with each other.