Radiator Core and Shims ???

[Steve Wallach]

I'm trying to replace my original Radiator Core Support on my 67 Convertible. The original has some slight rust issues, but may be reparable. The after market New Support seems to fit somewhat different. The shims I took out seemed to be original (still tack welded to the frame and to each other).
To get the mounting holes to line up, I had to remove quite a few of the shims on the frame, but had to add some to the top Right side where there is a pretty wide gap.

Anyone have any suggestions or a procedure to be sure I'm installing the new one correctly, or should I try to fix the original Support? (one of the radiator mounts is rusted and would need to be replaced). Has anone else had to remove shims when replacing an original support with a DeWitts Support?

Thanks for any Help,

Steve

[Michael H.]

Re: Radiator Core and Shims ???

Steve,

The problem that you mention with shims is common when replacing a core support. The reason the frame shim stack always seems too high when the new support is installed is because when the old support was unbolted, the front end fiberglass body probably dropped at least 3/16" or more because it was no longer supported.

One way to eliminate this problem is to support the body in some way other than the core support before removing the horizontal fasteners from the old core support. If you set the front of the frame on jack stands, then support the nose with two more jack stands, perhaps under the parking lamp panels, it will keep the body in the same relative position as the frame. You can now install a new support and add just enough shims to fill the gap betawwn support and frame. The original body dimensions will be retained.

If/when you raise the fiberglass back to it's original height dim., you may find that the side shim requirement drops substantially. Possibly close to, or at, the original shim count.

If you don't properly reshim the nose, you may wind up with some hood alignment problems.

[Steve Wallach]

Re: Radiator Core and Shims ???

thanks for the tips mike, I'll take a look at that.

Steve

[Phil P.]

Re: Radiator Core and Shims ???

double check all thru holes between the original core support and the re-pop--i had to drill i think 2 holes---one for the horn relay and one for ?? can't remember---good luck,phil

[Steve Wallach]

Re: Radiator Core and Shims ???

Thanks Phil, all the holes seem to be there. The horn relay fit fine (go figure)

Cheers,

Steve

[Rob A.]

Re: Radiator Core and Shims ???

Michael,

Would this also mean that the side, front bumper brackets that bolt to the front fenders should be loosened when installing/reinstalling the radiator support, for the same reason?

[Michael H.]

Re: Radiator Core and Shims ???

Rob,

We would think that the side outer brackets would hold the fenders/front end in place when the core support is removed but the bumpers/brackets are usually under some tension in one direction or the other which would probably move the front end when the core support bolts are removed. I would think it's best to loosen these outer bumper braces before removing the core support bolts.

A lot of the front fiberglass dim's are connected directly to the core support so when one is changed, many adjustments may be necessary to get everything back in a proper position.

[Steve Wallach]

Re: Radiator Core and Shims ???

I am having my original media blasted and I should have it back by this weekend. I'll try removing the new one, put the original shims back and see if the original fits better. This should also tell me if the nose has actually drooped or not? If it doesn't fit any better than the new one, then I would say the nose did drop. If it fits better, I will probably repair the old one and reinstall it.

Thanks for the replys,

Steve