Tips on C3 Radiator Install

[James B.]

I am helping out with a radiator change at a shop. At this point we have the old one out but it was very difficult and we spent about 4 hours on it. The car is a 72 big block with air & 4spd (everything is stock) and we will be putting in a new DeWitt. Once everything was unbolted we took out the AC condenser, moved the dryer out of the way and moved the core support as far forward as we could (but only got about 1-1 1/2 inches). Then tried to pull the radiator and shroud together which didn't really work. Had trouble pulling them separately because the shroud surrounds the rad. inlet on the lower side. Also, water outlet hits the pass. side upper control arm. We finally removed the lower back section of the shroud to clear the fan hub studs, were able to pull up the shroud on the passenger side and work it out & then pull the radiator. I doubt we can put in the new radiator in the same way without scratching/damaging something.

Is there a better way to install the new Radiator?? I've gone back about 4 years in the archives and do not see anything helpful. I've heard of people removing pass. side upper control arm but would rather not have to do that. Has anyone done this change recently?

Will appreciate all help and advice, Jim

[Edward J.]

Re: Tips on C3 Radiator Install

Jim, a ugly job, I think that the upper control needs to be unbolted and removed off the studs. (mark shim locations) and let hang, wheel must be removed and lifted off the ground pass side. be careful with rubber flap, also I think removing the pulleys (w/p and crank) and fan. helps clear he way.

[Dan A.]

Re: Tips on C3 Radiator Install

I did my 69 small block with A/C coupe pretty much like Ed described. It's not as bad as it sounds. I also removed the radiator and core support as a unit. Not sure if that applies to a big block.

[James B.]

Re: Tips on C3 Radiator Install

Edward and Dan,

Thanks for the input, will do as you suggest.

Jim

[Mathew S.]

Re: Tips on C3 Radiator Install

When I put my LS5 back together, I had to unbolt the core support from the body and chassis. This allowed it to pivot forward enough to install the shroud and radiator. I tried about everything else without success. The chassis service manual also says to do it this way, but I didn't have the AC installed at that point.

[Joe L.]

Re: Tips on C3 Radiator Install

I am helping out with a radiator change at a shop. At this point we have the old one out but it was very difficult and we spent about 4 hours on it. The car is a 72 big block with air & 4spd (everything is stock) and we will be putting in a new DeWitt. Once everything was unbolted we took out the AC condenser, moved the dryer out of the way and moved the core support as far forward as we could (but only got about 1-1 1/2 inches). Then tried to pull the radiator and shroud together which didn't really work. Had trouble pulling them separately because the shroud surrounds the rad. inlet on the lower side. Also, water outlet hits the pass. side upper control arm. We finally removed the lower back section of the shroud to clear the fan hub studs, were able to pull up the shroud on the passenger side and work it out & then pull the radiator. I doubt we can put in the new radiator in the same way without scratching/damaging something.

Is there a better way to install the new Radiator?? I've gone back about 4 years in the archives and do not see anything helpful. I've heard of people removing pass. side upper control arm but would rather not have to do that. Has anyone done this change recently?

Will appreciate all help and advice, Jim

Jim------


Removing the passenger side upper control arm is really not all that difficult.

[Jim T.]

Re: Tips on C3 Radiator Install

Have done the radiator removal a few times in last 47 years on my original owner 1970. It has factory air 350/300 and turbo 400. Did not remove condenser, dryer or radiator core support. Only unbolted the upper control arm two bolts and moved the control arm back in wheel well. I did support the bottom of the lower control arm with a floor jack raising the tire off the ground to release tension of the upper control arm. Knocked the rear upper arm control stud out of frame first to get the radiator/fan shroud out. Have the big radiator in my 70. After removing the radiator hoses, disconnecting the automatic transmission lines, draining the radiator, and the top brace, lifted the big radiator out. With the radiator shroud removed and the radiator out I knocked out the other upper control arm bolt from the frame to help the installation of the radiator/fan shroud. The bolts are not difficult to install in the frame later.

[James B.]

Re: Tips on C3 Radiator Install

Thanks to all for input- The radiator is back in and an easier job putting it in than taking it out. As suggested we removed the passenger side upper control arm. We cleaned up the core support & fan shroud and I reglued the seals. We then assembled core support, radiator and fan shroud and put in as a unit- slid right in.