68 core support

[Chuck R.]

I purchased a used replacement core support for my 68 and when I attempted to mount the radiator, I was not able to get the top of the radiator to pull in snug to the support.

It appears that the support has a slight curve to it.
Is this "bow" supposed to be there or is the support tweaked?

I have nothing to go against as the radiator was already out of the original support and it was so shot I could have folded it in half by hand.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chuck

[Dick W.]

Re: 68 core support

I don't have a '68 sitting here to look at, but I think that there is a 3/8"-1/2" gap between the core and the support. It is sealed with a piece of foam

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 core support

Dick and Chuck-----

Yes, there is a gap at the top with the radiator properly mounted in the "saddle" supports", upper and lower. However, there is no "bow" that I know of with respect to the upper member of the support. In fact, I don't even understand how this member could become bowed.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Your right

I have new foam in place and even then Dick it's just not pulling in nice and clean.

The more I try to pull it in, the more the retainer and rubber want to slide up and over the mounting hoop on top of the radiator. I don't want to get too burly with the radiator.

This is really cheezing me off!

I think I'll lay the core support flat on the driveway and roll over the sucker a couple of times with the ole Dakota

It's never easy is it?

Chuckster

[Geoff C.]

Stale bread?

If you are working with an old part several things must be understood. The cellular rubber seals age with time and become less resiliant to “spongyness” or rather the durometer increases i.e. hardness. When the rubber is fresh it is soft and more easily crushes as the parts are mated. As time progesses, they get harder and more difficult to crush. Whether it’s a new old original part or even a repro several years old, the part will be more difficult to crush if it not fresh. It’s like bread, but with a longer shelf life.

Take 2 wood boards, insert the seal between them and stand on it to pre-crush the part and you will probably have less difficulty. If it has a peel off paper adhesive affixed, put the paper side down.

Geoffrey

PS Don't not attempt to eat the above refenenced material or dance upon the above boards without suitable head protection.

[Chuck R.]

Re: My bread is always fresh Geof

As is my cheese

The seals are fresh and very plyable. The more I look at it, the more I feel that the board theory may come into play for the core support.

I was more curious Geof if the core support was a straight arrow or if it does indeed have a slight curviture to it. I can't believe that it would simply because you can't bend the radiator to match.

Thanks Geof,

Chuck

[Chuck R.]

Re: That makes two of us Joe

But nothings been straight forward on this project other than the engine rebuild. It's been just one little surprise after another.

All I can "assume" is that it took a front end hit right on the head light bucket area and it pushed everything back on one side taking the support with it.

I guess my quip about laying it on the driveway and running over it with the truck is more truth than fiction.

As always, thanks Joe,

Chuck