Driver side rad support bracket help

[Wayne P.]

I seem to have an alignment problem with the driver side front mount by the rad. All other mounts seem fine. Is their an adjustment that I am missing ? I don't want to place to much stress on this location by forcing it. The other side lines up. New frame. All new body mounts. Thanks

[Gene M.]

Re: Driver side rad support bracket help

Wayne,
Are the other core support bolts loose? Was there any front body splash shields repair work?

Since the frame was replaced, this is the initial reassembly correct? You may need to loosen the other body mounts to slide body a bit to allow bolt thru. Check that you have the body sitting square on the frame.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Driver side rad support bracket help

I was afraid you were going to say that. I will loosen off all the mounting bolts and try to slide the driver side back 1/2 inch. Not sure if their was any repair work done. Will try tonight . Is their a measuring point to make sure body is square to frame ?
thanks Gene

[John H.]

Re: Driver side rad support bracket help

Is their a measuring point to make sure body is square to frame ?
thanks Gene

Gene -

Nope. Passenger cars had two master gage holes in the frame and body to register them at body drop, but Corvette didn't - they just used the bolt holes.

[Steve L.]

Re: Driver side rad support bracket help

Gene -

Nope. Passenger cars had two master gage holes in the frame and body to register them at body drop, but Corvette didn't - they just used the bolt holes.

Is this correct? My 73 has a hole on the drivers side near the front of the door and another hole on the passenger side near the back of the door in the body channels. These have a red plastic cap that plug up the hole.

I think there is a matching hole in the frame rails for alignment.

[John H.]

Re: Driver side rad support bracket help

Is this correct? My 73 has a hole on the drivers side near the front of the door and another hole on the passenger side near the back of the door in the body channels. These have a red plastic cap that plug up the hole.

I think there is a matching hole in the frame rails for alignment.

Steve -

I don't know about C3's, but there were no gage holes in the midyear body or frame; that location under the sill plate with the plastic plug was for the #2 body mount, only on convertibles.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Driver side rad support bracket help

Just an update. I had a couple friends drop by. We lifted the one side of
the body and only moved it back about a 1/4" . The whole at the front shroud should line up due to a bit of flex. I guess I will have to live with it or oval the front frame hole. Will have it another go tomorrow. Thanks

[Steve L.]

Re: Driver side rad support bracket help

Steve -

I don't know about C3's, but there were no gage holes in the midyear body or frame; that location under the sill plate with the plastic plug was for the #2 body mount, only on convertibles.

Opps, sorry, I missed that fact that it is midyr.

[Gene M.]

Re: Driver side rad support bracket help

Wayne,
I measure the frame to birdcage lower rail front and rear on both sides. I just try to get as equal as possible front measurements and rear measurements. You will find there is a bit of clearance hole and body mount bolt to do this. Secondly I measure that tires sit same, front to rear on both sides in the wheel wells. Tire well clearance side to side should also be fairly equal.

You don't want to have the body sitting "kiddie corner" on the frame. It sounds as if you have the one side a bit off ideal position. It does not take a lot of movement to correct your problem.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Driver side rad support bracket help

Thanks Gene good practical advice. Will get the measuring tape out.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Driver side rad support bracket help

I have for the most part the body centered all body bolts are in except for the front two supports . Not sure how to install the bolts Threads up or down ? I couldn't find it in the manual . Picture worth a thousand words.
Thanks

[Alan D.]

Re: Driver side rad support bracket help

Bolt faces up with a lock washer and large flat washer. Bolt is pointed and the nut is inside a cage (assume its square, but can not see) If you still need a picture I can take tomorrow.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Driver side rad support bracket help

Thanks Alan . Someone put the wrong bolts on. I was wondering how you could get a wrench in their . No nut in cage support.

[Alan D.]

Re: Driver side rad support bracket help

Here are some pictures of a Mar64 original setup, ie never removed!

(The frame does not have the extra corner supports which seem to have appeared in April 64. Mentioned, since that change may have brought about some other changes ???)

Since GM used a square nut inside a cage would suspect that the nut could move around some. With that feature you may be able to line all your mounts up.

The picture of the top of the cage with pointed bolt is poor, but that's a hard spot for a novice get. (center picture)

[Wayne P.]

Re: Driver side rad support bracket help

Thanks checked with paragon and they do not cary the nut. I guess I will try the local hardware and try to make my own.