1973 Radiator removal

[Bill S.]

About to replace the radiator in a 73 Vette w/air conditioning and auto trans.
The "interference" is the fan shroud. It keeps hitting the upper A arm bolt and does not allow enough "rearward" movement of the shroud to permit clearance so the radiator can be lifted out.
Any tips appreciated.
Thanks
Bill




Adirondack NCRS

[Verle R.]

Re: 1973 Radiator removal

Bill,

The bubba solution is to cut the shroud crudely in several places and throw away the pieces.

A little more trouble that will preserve the shroud:

Support front of car on jack stands
Remove front wheels
unbolt the radiator support, sides and bottom
rotate the top of the radiator support toward the front of the car
work the radiator and fan shroud out

There should be enough slack in the A/C lines to move the support enough to get the radiator out.

If not, the bubba solution is to cut the A/C lines.......

Good luck

Verle

[mike cobine]

Re: 1973 Radiator removal

One trick I use is to take a big piece of cardboard and set between the radiator and everything else so it can slide up and out rather than me having to lift the entire time.

It also saves having to patch holes if you slip and hit the fan, shroud, or other item that happens to be harder than the radiator.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1973 Radiator removal

Using a floor jack under the lower control arm on the passenger side, raise jack enough to remove the tire. There is no weight on the upper control arm now, remove the nuts and alignment shims. Wrap tape around the shims and mark where they were removed from. Protect the threads of the rear upper control arm and just knock it out. The bolt has serated edge that locks it in place. Lift the upper control arm off the other bolt and set it back in the wheel well. Your shroud should come out now. Have done this a few times in the last 35 years on my 70 with air and turbo 400.