Cut it or not?

[dkn1997]

Since the accident took out my not so be cool 22" rad, I am upgrading to a 26" rad.  Not a factory original, but I'm leaning on getting a desert cooler from us radiator.  I currently have a 22" opening in my core support.  I can buy the pass side and have it welded in by the shop.  I know that technically, you should change the drivers side too because it's a bit different and to get all of the bolt holes to line up perfect.  However, this is not a numbers type car and not a show car.

I was thinking of buying the rad and having the shop cut the pass side core support so it fits.  Of course, they would dress the cut and paint it so it looks finished.  Is this a huge mistake?  I figure this is also the cheap way out because the labor to cut out and weld in the new support has to be more than to just cut the old one and grind the edge down. 

[Ghoste]

A friend of mine did that to his 69 and it looks fine.  To put it inperspective though, he owns his own bodyshop so it simplified the chore for him.  If it makes the car run cooler and they can do a good job, why not?

[Blown70]

CUt and flange it!  should not be that hard..... but I have never yet done it, you shoudl be able to find a flanging tool at a local shop.

Tom

[dkn1997]

I won't be doing the work. It's at the body shop now and the whole nose is gone.  My part of this will consist of delivering the radiator and leaving.

[tan top]

 sounds like a good plan 26" rad ,..... cut the passanger side & shape  , think i would get the right part though !!   but  not going to hurt anything .... as long as they don't just do a hack job ... let them know what you want it to look like ... before they start 

[firefighter3931]

Definately install the 26in rad....no doubt about it ! 

A good bodyshop should be able to move the mounting boss over by cutting a strip out of the core support and moving the edge over...enlarging the opening. If they have the Rad there to mock it up it should be a simple procedure. 


Ron

[dkn1997]

I hadn't thought of that ron...that's a good idea.   Also, anyone know where to actually buy a desert cooler radiator?  i hate the whole email a quote thing from their website.  I'd rather just see the price.  Or am I going overboard? 

I just want something that cools the motor and I'd prefer a ribbed top to paint it black and maintain a somewhat stock look.  copper/brass or aluminum, makes no difference to me.

[skip68]

Hey dkn1997,  I've got a 34" Griffin aluminum in my 68. The shop cut the pass. side out and cut out a piece of it and then welded it back in so it looks factory.  Well, the welds could use some more grinding.  I'm going to take some pictures right now and get Lisa to post them for you.     Give me a few minutes.   Chuck.............

[dkn1997]

34?  NICE!!!  chuck clearly swims in the deep end of the pool!

[firefighter3931]

Kevin, i went with an aluminum rad off e-bay....fits real nice and bolted into the stock location. Stock upper/lower hoses fit fine and it has mounting provisions for a stock shroud. There are some pics in my Black Pig progress thread.


Ron

[skip68]

Sorry man, I just measured it and it's 31". I don't just swim,....................I OWN THE DEEP END OF THE POOL!!!!! Pics. are getting resized and will be up shortly!
Chuck

[skip68]

Let's see if this works>>>>?,.....

[skip68]

more...

[skip68]

more...

[skip68]

one more...  I know,  my engine compartment is a mess.     It will be done by M.A.T.S..    Flat black. 

[Ghoste]

Why not do it General Lee orange?

[bull]

Why not do it General Lee orange?

Come on, man. It ain't a Chevy.

One other thing that hasn't been brought up yet, did the original rad support survive? If not don't they make aftermarket supports with 26" holes that could be put in its place followed by an aluminum radiator that fits?

[drifter69]

Check with AMD ( AUTO METAL DIRECT ) I if I remember right,they have them. Your going to have it tore down that far anyway. They have nice sheet metal and their service is great. Never had a problem with them.

[hemi-hampton]

I'd go with the after market sheet metal if available, then it would look right or factory, I would not make my own to fit. LEON.

[Charger-Bodie]

The after market rt side supt piece fits nice and costs like 30.00 ....Just get that and have them cut out the old one and weld in the new .

[hemi-hampton]

I just did  this same procedure a few weeks ago but used a donor cars core supoport. Did't do the other side & other side off about 1/2 inch. I''ll move the threaded welded nut over 1/2 inch. LEON.

[WingCharger]

CUT!

[dkn1997]

I just heard from a friend who works in a speed shop. The guy who works with him used to work for evans testing fans, radiators, etc  so I am going to let him spec it out for me.  these guys build some pretty serious street cars.       since this won't be anywhere near a stock rad, I am leaning towards cutting the support.  I see no sense in changing the rt side, only to cut it up to fit a huge rad. 

[firefighter3931]

Custom is cool....git r done ! 


Ron