1969 L-46 radiator shroud crowding fan

[Edward J.]

Re: 1969 L-46 radiadiator shroud crowding fan

here are a few pics of my 72 this car is a A/C car.

[Daniel T.]

Re: 1969 L-46 radiadiator shroud crowding fan

thank you Edward, pictures always help. still trying to figure it out. here are some pics of my cars shroud. you can see the top support is mounted correctly. You can also see some heat damage to the top from a halogen light. Also the bottom of the shroud does not clear the frame so the extension. which I have never had would fit. I'm also wondering how much shim is typical between the lower brace frame member and the radiator support. I know they are supposed to be in there. Also threw in a couple more engine mount pics do these seem right? Seems like if I change these and it lowers the front of the engine the shroud will be even lower than the frame at the bottom. Maybe the shroud is warped here as well. I'v seen these shrouds for sale#3956109 they are expensive for a decent one.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1969 L-46 radiadiator shroud crowding fan

Do you have the foam in place that seals the shroud to the radiator and support?

As you can see in Ed's photo, the fan should be about half in and half out of the shroud. In your photo the fan appears to be completely inside the shroud. I realize that it may just be an issue of the perspective of the photo.

[Daniel T.]

Re: 1969 L-46 radiadiator shroud crowding fan

Thanks for your continuing help Patrick. In the photo I posted today the fan is not on the car at all. The photo I posted yesterday shows how the fan would look when installed. Oh and yes I did install a new set of seals from corvette central. I was able to get the fan to clear but only by 1/8th of an inch at the top. to do this I had to force the bottom up with quite a bit of force. going to try the correct motor mounts and a new transmission mount as well. Also getting a correct water pump from Chevycool. This is getting expensive yikes. I would be flying blind without all the advice and help from you and everyone else. I do appreciate the help

[Gary C.]

Re: 1969 L-46 radiadiator shroud crowding fan

Daniel,
On the top angled bracket to shroud, do you have the shroud all the way up in the slotted holes in the shroud as shown in attached picture? Doubtful since the bracket looks like it is high as compared to shroud. If not, there are two 1/2" hex screws that hold the shroud to the angle bracket, loosen up those two screws and adjust the shroud upwards.

How is clearance on bottom of shroud to fan? If big clearance, motor mounts are not the problem if they were flat, you would have opposite problem (too close to the bottom and much bigger clearance on top).

Thanks,
Gary

[Daniel T.]

Re: 1969 L-46 radiator shroud crowding fan

Thanks Gary, it would seem like there is plenty of clearance at the bottom. Hard to tell really as the shroud extension is missing. I have that shroud pulled up as far as possible. My thought on the motor mounts is that they are aftermarket. Maybe they are somehow holding the engine up too high.

[David M.]

Re: 1969 L-46 radiator shroud crowding fan

You guys are right on time as usual. I had no idea the plug wires purposely routed under the motor mount (but never really studied it) nor that the anchor mounts dont work. Havent had that pleasure....yet. Thanks for the edit...Ive been an GM A body guy forever. Always loved the C2/3s growin up...This one is the first to own. Ive mechanically restored a 78 25th maroon/silver and a tinkered deep with an 80 & an 81, friends cars. This 68, although mostly numbers matching, is a resto rod so to speak. Lots of learning to do especially for the 68 one-year-wonder that still should have been a C2 another model year!
I struggled with the shroud in the 68. Its a decent quality repro custom chrome unit. The new lower cushions and seals helped yet I still needed to shim under the top two screws.

[Daniel T.]

Re: 1969 L-46 radiator shroud crowding fan

Looks nice David. Correct water pump for a big block I do believe. It has a bypass boss on the top. Looks like the one on my 350. I ordered the correct one today from Ron at Chevycool.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 L-46 radiator shroud crowding fan

Looks nice David. Correct water pump for a big block I do believe. It has a bypass boss on the top. Looks like the one on my 350. I ordered the correct one today from Ron at Chevycool.

Daniel-----

Small block and big block waterpumps are not interchangeable. All big block waterpumps have external bypass provisions (i.e. boss/fitting on the top). Most small block waterpumps do not have external bypass provisions but some do. These are mainly those used for some SHP applications from 1963-67, although some earlier C1 also used external bypass. Most GM and aftermarket SERVICE waterpumps for the last 45 years have had external bypass provisions, to be plugged for non external bypass applications.

[David M.]

Re: 1969 L-46 radiator shroud crowding fan

TX...It has the BB hood too. Bought it this way. Few upgrades mostly numbers matching a lot is original somes not... the block, heads, trans are original to the car. Obviously the chrome goodies, induction, exhaust and spark are not.
The shroud fits well for aftermarket. Or is a chromed OEM? Dont know. Its obviously of a different design than the newer plastic units. Still needed tweaking to fit when I removed it to rebuild the front end last year.
Didnt know that fun fact about the water pump.

[Daniel T.]

Re: 1969 L-46 radiator shroud crowding fan

Thanks for that info Joe. I am anxious to get the correct pump and get it installed. One piece at a time.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 L-46 radiator shroud crowding fan

Thanks for that info Joe. I am anxious to get the correct pump and get it installed. One piece at a time.

Daniel------

I would not hold out high hopes that the correct waterpump would solve the problem. In other words, I'd be surprised if the aftermarket manufacturers did not get the pumps dimensionally if not otherwise correct. But, you never know. In any event, having a correct waterpump has other benefits and certainly can't hurt. Let us know what happens.

[Daniel T.]

Re: 1969 L-46 radiator shroud crowding fan

Nice Vette. Looks beautiful