Mid year rad support problem... anyone else?

[Steve G.]

Hey gang
I recently spent way too much $$ at Corvette Central, buying a new repro radiator support to replace the one in my 63 split window... it had a "fuelie" GM replacement in it and I couldn't stand the hole any more. I also got a new date- stamped correct aluminum DeWitts radiator to go with it.
Long story short, my mechanic tells me the radiator (which measures exactly as the previous) does not "sit" in the mounting ledge properly, and says the support is the culprit. He is now trying to "make" it work, which really bugs me several hundred dollars later.
Anyone else have any problems with Corvette Central core supports? I think they are all from Coffman, correct?

[Joe L.]

Re: Mid year rad support problem... anyone else?

Steve-----

I know what you mean about those SERVICE midyear radiator supports with the FI air duct hole. They're just a travesty. If I had to look at one of those non-original "oval" holes every time I opened the hood I think that, in short order, I'd be rendered a babbling idiot. I mean, that hole is just really "gauche".

Anyway, as far as I know, Coffman makes the only radiator core supports out there. I always thought that their supports were a pretty good. Is your mechanic installing the rubber cushions on the radiator locating dowels? I really don't see how it could "sit" improperly on the "mounting ledge" as there is no mounting ledge. However, if the radiator is somehow contacting the lower horizontal frame member of the support, then you might try adding one large washer into each of the "cups" for the cushions. I wouldn't add more than 1 (and, I agree, this shouldn't be necessary), but it might solve the problem and be non-discernable. If that doesn't do it, I'd call Corvette Central about a return. They might want you to ship it directly to Coffman. Do not attempt to modify the support to "make it fit". If you do, it will be yours.

[Steve G.]

Re: Mid year rad support problem... anyone else?

Thanks for the response. The problem was described over the phone and I described it very poorly in my post. He said he did use the rubber grommets and the dowels' fit are just enough off to make it fit improperly and uneven.
Unfortunately, the support is already "mine" as we had to cut 2 small holes for the lines on an add on transmission cooler that I decided not to take off the car. Of course, my impatience is no help as I expected this to be a quick couple day job and now my car in in too many pieces in the shop in the middle of the summer, when I should be driving it! Just because I couldn't stand looking at that stupid FI hole anymore!!
I told him I just couldnt imagine this being a problem seeing how I know everyone uses these... but it doesnt fit!

[Bill W.]

Re: Mid year rad support problem... anyone else?

Why did it have an incorrect core support installed ?Rust? wreck? I would check the frame . make sure it is straight.If everything else is ok return the support for a new one.Bill

[Steve G.]

Re: Mid year rad support problem... anyone else?

The car had a body off resto around 1980... (great old pics). The frame is fine... the support was replaced with a GM service part along with the radiator, which has an odd "76B" date which also made me crazy.

[Joe L.]

Re: Mid year rad support problem... anyone else?

Steve-----

You've discovered what sometimes happens when you take FORM over FUNCTION! The GM SERVICE support functioned perfectly but it's configuration (form) wasn't right. The reproduction support's configuration (form) is right, but it, apparently, doesn't function properly. Now you know which is more important of the 2 qualities.

Anyway, even though you have modified the support for other reasons, that's just justification for them to refuse to REPLACE it or accept it as a return. They should still be on the hook to make it right. If the lower frame member with donut brackets is out of spec, then Coffman (or, whoever else made it if it wasn't Coffman) should have to REPAIR that part of it and bring it into proper spec.

[Steve G.]

Re: Mid year rad support problem... anyone else?

Excellent points, Joe. Thanks for the input.

[Terry F.]

Re: Mid year rad support problem... anyone else?

If you were bugged by that hole in the support, you could have just taken it to a good sheet metal body man and had him weld it shut with a mig welder. Then, had him finish it flat. If done right, you would have never none. Heck, I bet I could have done it with a gas torch and you would not have not none once I was finished with it. Actually would be a fun project for some.

[Jack W.]

Re: Mid year rad support problem... anyone else?

last year I had a similar problem but it was with the lower rad support that was ALREADY IN the car (was dropping in a new Repro Dewitt's rad into my 65 SB, and the dowels or pins were not lining up with the donut holes in the lower rad support brace). Frustrating as hell, because I was of course under the impression that all was original, and at first I thought Tom D's gang had gotten it wrong on the rad they sent (he was great and helpful as always, and assured me the rad was up to specs) - then I looked at the brass rad that I had pulled out, and noticed that the bottom pins on it had been wheeled off and relocated, so my attention turned to the lower rad support brace, which I then noticed seemed to have been welded on after the fact. I finally surmised that some previous owner's Bubba-wrench had grafted on a BB rad support, which locates the donut holes a bit more to the p-side, I believe. Anyway, the rad surround / support I then ordered from Tom D (I had to source it from him after wrongly suggesting he was to blame for my troubles!) fit perfectly, and I think they source from Coffman's too.