How do I get the copper radiator out of a 69?

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I need to pull my copper radiator from my 69 to have a small leak fixed. I've detached every bolt I can see but it still doesn't want to come out. I've checked my AIM and don't see any bolts that I've missed. I've looked at my CSM but I didn't find anything in there about removal of the radiator. Is there a trick to this?

Mike

[Mark E.]

Re: How do I get the copper radiator out of a 69?

This comes up every so often. There are several threads here and on CF about this. The procedure is in section 13 of the 1970 CSM (for '69 Corvette). In a nutshell, after draining and removing the hood, hoses, and fan-
- remove fasteners for shroud; lay it across water pump.
- remove upper radiator brackets
- loosen lowest bolts on each side of core support
- remove remaining core support bolts
- place a moving blanket or cardboard between radiator and headlight actuators
- gently tilt core support with radiator forward being careful not to push actuators into radiator
- wiggle and pull radiator up and out.

As I recall, shroud comes out last. Clearance with the upper A-arms is tight but it will come out.

CSM says removing the hood and tilting the radiator support is only required for AC cars, and removing the fan isn't required at all. But that's not my experience.

With AC cars, loosen dryer brackets so the condenser can be tilted forward with the core support and radiator. There's even less clearance with the headlight actuators so be careful.

EDIT: This is a good time to carefully check the core support for rust. Many are badly rotted across the bottom. Coffman Corvette sells perfect reproductions.

[Michael L.]

Re: How do I get the copper radiator out of a 69?

Thanks Mark. I guess my first problem and the primary obstacle is when I removed all the shroud bolts I could not get the shroud to come toward the fan (yes the lower nuts are off.) It is locked in there. There is virtually zero room in there with the lower radiator hose and everything. I've been wrestling with the lower hose but it is a bear to get off. I'm sure there is a solution to this and it will eventually come out, I was just hoping there was a secret I was not aware of.

[Bob I.]

Re: How do I get the copper radiator out of a 69?

Could it be stuck in the bottom supports. I installed new core support insulators rubbers. It made a tight installation and removal of the radiator.
Do you have the shroud separated from the radiator.
Bob

[Mark E.]

Re: How do I get the copper radiator out of a 69?

Big block shrouds are fastened to the lower radiator brackets with a stud and nut on each side. I don't have direct experience with small block shrouds but page 13-4 of the CSM has a diagram of all three shroud types and how they're fastened. Sometimes the radiator is melded onto the rubber cushions on the bottom and requires gentle persuasion while wriggling and lifting.

Don't be bashful about cutting the radiator hose off to gain clearance. It's being replaced anyway.

[Bob I.]

Re: How do I get the copper radiator out of a 69?

I had to move the core support forward. Remove the shroud extension, pull the shroud off the left bottom core support stud. Then the right side, leave the shroud in and pull it towards the motor. Be sure and protect the radiator from the headlight pods. This job rates the PITA.

Bob

[Michael L.]

Re: How do I get the copper radiator out of a 69?

Thanks Mark. I was trying to save the lower hose since it's brand new but if I have to cut it I will. The small block shroud is also held at the bottom with a nuts on the radiator brackets. Bob, I do not have the shroud separated from the radiator. That's my primary problem. I believe I could get the radiator out if I could get the shroud off the radiator.

[Mark G.]

Re: How do I get the copper radiator out of a 69?

It's been a few years since I pulled my L71 radiator but it is relatively easy. Remove hood and drain the coolant. I remove the fan, clutch, belts and water pump pulley. 3 bolts on each side (or is it 2?) and the bolts on the bottom of the support. I remove the rad, shroud, and support as one piece.

[Mark E.]

Re: How do I get the copper radiator out of a 69?

It's been a few years since I pulled my L71 radiator but it is relatively easy. Remove hood and drain the coolant. I remove the fan, clutch, belts and water pump pulley. 3 bolts on each side (or is it 2?) and the bolts on the bottom of the support. I remove the rad, shroud, and support as one piece.

If removing the core support be sure to brace the front body first. Unless removal is needed to repair or replace it, just tilt the core support forward as described above.

But it sounds like Michael's issue is separating the bottom of the shroud from the radiator. He has a small block so a different design than ours; even so, it's an odd problem because that part of the project should be straight forward.