secret to install a 69 radiator and shroud??

[dick foehringer]

ok, i have struggled all day trying to get my recored radiator and new gm shroud in my 69 427 with a/c. we took the old one out easily but someone had cut the shroud and it was broken. we have tried sliding them in as a unit but cant get the lower hose elbo past the a-arm. alt is off, no fan or pulleys, i give up. is there a secret??
thanks!!! dick

[Dick W.]

Re: secret to install a 69 radiator and shroud??

Dick there are two ways to install them. One is to remove the right upper control arm to give you the clearance. The other is to remove the core support, which is difficult because of the bolt head hidden by the fiberglass shield over the A/C tubing. Search the archives as this has been discussed several times. 1969 to 1972 are all the same. Either way you need to remove the hood, carefully scribing the hinge location on the hood before you remove the bolts

[Greg L.]

Re: secret to install a 69 radiator and shroud??

I remember thinking up a few new four letter words when I did mine! In the end though I had to remove the hood and all the bolts for the rad support. The bottom bolts that go through the crossmember where just loosened. This was so that I could tilt the whole assy forward and then lift the rad and shroud up and out together. There might be an easier way but if there was I didn't do it.

[Harold# 43147]

Re: secret to install a 69 radiator and shroud??

Remove hood disconnect Trans lines/Lower Rad hose from water pump/Remove upper hose from Rad/Remove lower fan shroud if you have one/Discharge A/C/Remove A/C lines from Condenser/remove 3 L Side core support/Remove 3 bolts R Side Core support/remove 2 bolts front cross member to core support/remove support rod from bumper nose to core support/rotate core support vertical and remove assembly.This is the only way I no how to do it. Good time to repaint core support and replace shroud seals.It sound like a big job but it goes fast.Use tape to mark your hood hindge remove at hood. I use Freeze 12 to replace R 12 have used it for 6 years in many applications never had any problems.Tape the enda of A/C lines to keep moister out you will have to Vac system to recharge.
Hope this helps.

[Jim T.]

Re: secret to install a 69 radiator and shroud??

Dick as mentioned there is information in the archives on this. I have a original owner 70 with air. In the past 35 years I have removed my non alumimum radiator at least 4 times. I have never had to remove the hood the way I remove or install my radiator. I have never removed the core support. I do unbolt the upper control arm and move it back into the wheel well. Having factory air I have never disconnected any air conditioning lines to remove the radiator. Placing a floor jack under the passenger side lower control arm and raising it enough to remove the front tire will free up the upper control arm. I do knock the upper control arm bolt closest to the engine from the frame to make removal easier. Both control arm bolts have serated ends and this is what keeps them from turning when installing the nuts. I do also remove the fan assembley. The big fiberglass shroud comes out and the radiator is piece of cake. I can remove the radiator by myself but some may need assistance because of the weight. When the shroud and radiator are out I remove the front upper control arm bolt for easier installation of the upper control arm when the radiator and shroud are in place. Having the front tire off makes it easier in install the two upper control arm bolts in the frame.

[Dick W.]

Re: secret to install a 69 radiator and shroud??

I have never had to remove the A/C lines.