Radiator Support

[Junior T.]

I started a frame off restoration back in January of this year. I just found out about this discussion board and am very happy to be on it. I'm sure I would have had many shortcuts if I had been on it sooner.
My question now is somewhat hard to explain, but here it goes.
I have a 1960 FI with an aluminum top tank radiator. I know my radiator and support are original, but I'm afraid someone has welded on the bottom of the inside of the support.
Where the two bolts come out the bottom, on the inside it looks jagged as if it has been torched.
Is there web sites you know of that would show what it supposed to look like? I just really need an example to look at to see if mine has been modified in anyway.
Any help is really appreciated

[Junior T.]

Re: Radiator Support

Here is a picture of what I am talking about.

[Rod K.]

Re: Radiator Support

Junior, I just happen to be in the process of cleaning and repainting my '57 support and also have another one, not sure of the year but think it is a '58-'60. The "hacked" area of yours should just be a simple continuation of the channel shape seen on either end of the hacked area, no change in the shape whatsoever. I know there are some minor differences in these supports from year to year but I'm not sure what, and both of mine appear the same in this area. Hope this helps some.

[Junior T.]

Re: Radiator Support

Thank-you for responding. This has really had me bothered. Just to be sure we are on the same track, the "hacked" area is actually a piece that someone has welded on and then seems to be torched off. I cannot imagine why it would have been put on there.
Does that make any sense?

[Jack H.]

Re: Radiator Support

Simple, the rad support collects road water there causing rust through. Just mill/grind the uneven surface flat to the adjacent surfaces, as mentioned, and you'll be good to go....