Will this compromise c-3 body structure?

[Owen L.]

As of today, there is no engine or radiator in my '72. Will removing the radiator support frame from the engine compartment compromise the body structure? I want to clean and test the wiring and vacuum in the nose of the car and unobstructed access would be really nice.

Thanks.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Will this compromise c-3 body structure?

Are you moving it or removing it from the frame?

I've removed and replaced radiator supports and never had an issue, even if the engine is out.
I just would not move it off the frame without it unless I had to, though it's possible.

[Owen L.]

Re: Will this compromise c-3 body structure?

I'm not removing the body from the frame. I just don't want the nose to be stressed if the radiator support also supports the body.

[Russ S.]

Re: Will this compromise c-3 body structure?

No it will not just don't push down on the front end.

[Owen L.]

Re: Will this compromise c-3 body structure?

Thank you Russ.

[Ron G.]

Re: Will this compromise c-3 body structure?

Just to re-assure what Patrick suggested. I have done it many times with the body on and never had any issues. If the body was off the frame, then I may recommend putting some type of support under the front part of the nose.

[Owen L.]

Re: Will this compromise c-3 body structure?

Thank you for the hand-holding on this one. I removed it, no problem.

NOW... I could hear rusty bits shuffling around the inside of the radiator support when I pulled it out. I didn't see a way to flush them out. (?)

[Patrick H.]

Re: Will this compromise c-3 body structure?

Thank you for the hand-holding on this one. I removed it, no problem.

NOW... I could hear rusty bits shuffling around the inside of the radiator support when I pulled it out. I didn't see a way to flush them out. (?)

That's why Coffman makes excellent radiator support reproductions.
The one you have in your hand goes to the metal recycler.

[Owen L.]

Re: Will this compromise c-3 body structure?

That's why Coffman makes excellent radiator support reproductions.
The one you have in your hand goes to the metal recycler.

I inspected the lower portion of the frame very carefully... The paint isn't blistering and the metal appears and sounds sound... I assume if it were to continue to deteriorate, it would do so slowly and there would be visible outward signs, yes? For the last 30 years, the car has been stored in a garage and will not be subjected to much wet weather in its future.