C1 (1960) radiator core support

[Donald H.]

I need to replace the radiator core support on my 1960 project. It is a 270HP car, but is an early build and does not have the tank type radiator.

Has anyone used the radiator core support from Paragon or Corvette Central? If so, how was the fit and look?

Thanks,
Don

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 (1960) radiator core support

Don, I used the CC part, for a '59, which I believe is what Paragon also sells. I was generally pleased with it, except they got the upper forward corners wrong. I had to cut reliefs in it to match the original so the hood hinges would fit properly. I have some photos somewhere to show what I mean and will post later.

Rich

edit....found one on my website. This is the CC repro. If you look at a original with the hinges removed, the front top on each side is cut inwards about 1/8" to 3/16" with a slightly curved appearance.

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 (1960) radiator core support

Don, I used the CC part, for a '59, which I believe is what Paragon also sells. I was generally pleased with it, except they got the upper forward corners wrong. I had to cut reliefs in it to match the original so the hood hinges would fit properly. I have some photos somewhere to show what I mean and will post later.

Rich

edit....found one on my website. This is the CC repro. If you look at a original with the hinges removed, the front top on each side is cut inwards about 1/8" to 3/16" with a slightly curved appearance.

Thanks, I'll be sure and keep the original to work from. The one I have now, which I assume us original, has rusted through on the bottom

[David A.]

Re: C1 (1960) radiator core support

just curious
many parts, especially my wwii jeeps,
if i coudn't find an original piece,
i'd buy a repro
and cut out the part i needed from it
and weld in onto the original.
would this have been possible with your support?
dave

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 (1960) radiator core support

Dave, The common problem with these is that the bottom rusts out, so it's very unlikely to find a donor piece. It's possible to refabricate and rebuild, but it is quite a project to attempt.

In my case the original was badly rusted at the bottom, and crumpled and re-bent from a accident in the early 60's, according to my friend who owns the car.

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 (1960) radiator core support

I would love to save the old one, but it has rusted through in the bottom and the square holed for the carriage bolts that make uP the front mount are rusted and will not hold. It probably could be repaired, but I don't have a welding rig and it I'm not sure what else I would find if I cut the bottom piece off. I'll look at Carlisle for a good original if I can wait that long.

Thanks

[Norris W.]

Re: C1 (1960) radiator core support

Just out of curiosity, what is a good original one worth?

[Ian G.]

Re: C1 (1960) radiator core support

I bought a good used one on eBay a while back for $180 shipped. Same situation. My original was rusted out on the bottom and the welder said it would cost more than a repro to fix it, so I held out for a good used one. eBay is not so good anymore for finding stuff though. A lot of sellers abandoned it due to the fees.

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 (1960) radiator core support

I bought a good used one on eBay a while back for $180 shipped. Same situation. My original was rusted out on the bottom and the welder said it would cost more than a repro to fix it, so I held out for a good used one. eBay is not so good anymore for finding stuff though. A lot of sellers abandoned it due to the fees.

I've been looking on EBay and elsewhere.

[David A.]

Re: C1 (1960) radiator core support

the two carriage bolts on the bottom were always loose
on my '56, and i could not tighten them w/o taking out the radiator
well.....since i just 'freshened' my engine bay
i finally got them two bolts tightened!!
dave

[Scott K.]

Re: C1 (1960) radiator core support

Don, I used the CC part, for a '59, which I believe is what Paragon also sells. I was generally pleased with it, except they got the upper forward corners wrong. I had to cut reliefs in it to match the original so the hood hinges would fit properly. I have some photos somewhere to show what I mean and will post later.

Rich

edit....found one on my website. This is the CC repro. If you look at a original with the hinges removed, the front top on each side is cut inwards about 1/8" to 3/16" with a slightly curved appearance.

Just an FYI to everyone that our latest radiator core support has been revised with respect to the condition described here.

Anyone who purchased the older support can send theirs to us for modification.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 (1960) radiator core support

Here are 2 photos of my original support on my '59, and 2 of the CC support after I modified it.

Scott, good that you saw this thread. As you can see, the original support shows that the horizontal piece is set inwards about 1/8" or so from the edge as well. Your reproduction horizontal is flush with the edge. Maybe on the next run kick both edges in a bit.

Rich