68 427 Radiator Replacement - Stupid Question

[Jack C.]

Got the radiator out which proved to be quite interesting. The shroud was a challange. I'll know now to swing the smog pump out of the way to make the installation easier. But to be sure, shroud first or the radiator first when I go to install the repaired radiator. By the way, I did find the KM tag clip on the passanger side tank. All comments appreciated.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 68 427 Radiator Replacement - Stupid Question

Jack;

Guess no one likes stupid questions. Better luck going around again.

Stu Fox

[Jim T.]

Re: 68 427 Radiator Replacement - Stupid Question

Jack I have SB 327/350 68 with metal shroud and it is no trouble to remove. If you have the large copper radiator with no expansion tank like which is on my 70 SB with factory air conditioning I have no trouble in removing the large radiator/shroud. The shroud is a two piece unit, the lower piece over the front crossmember is no trouble to remove.
I do not remove the hood or even loosen or remove any of the bolts that retain the steel radiator support.
I put a floor jack under the passenger side lower control arm and raise the front wheel enough to remove the tire/wheel. The jack can be lowered after removal of tire if desired.
Next loosen the two bolts in the engine compartment that retain the alignment shims and control arm. Remove shims and tape each set together and mark location for later installation.
Remove the control arm retaining nuts and pull the upper control arm back into the wheel well area. It will move freely as there is no weight on the upper ball joint, the cars weight is on the lower control arm.
With the control arm out of the way this permits me to remove/install my large radiator shroud without difficulty. Being the original owner of my 70 I have removed the original radiator a few times and with the shroud out it is a one man job for me to remove/install the large radiator.
I also knock the rear control arm bolt out of the frame after I remove the nut to make it easier to remove the control arm, does not have to be done. The bolt has a serrated edge to retain it in the frame. This is why it does not turn when the nut is installed.
An option when the radiator shroud is out is to knock out the other control arm bolt. I find it just easier to install the control arm after the radiator and shroud are replaced in my 70.
I also remove the fan assembly.
When I removed my engine I did not have to remove my hood, having the turbo 400 just unbolted the transmission and supported it, lifted the engine out without the fan assembly and left the radiator/shroud in place.

[Daniel S.]

Re: 68 427 Radiator Replacement - Stupid Question

As I recall when I replaced the rad on my '68 BB a few yrs ago, I set the shroud loosely in place then installed the radiator. To aid in removal and installation I removed the fan and hood and left everything else in place. The fiberglass shroud is a challenge trying not to damage it or the fins on the radiator.

[Ray G.]

Re: 68 427 Radiator Replacement - Stupid Question

Hello;
Tape cardboard on both sides of the Radiator fins while reinstalling.
Takes some of the apprehension away.
Just my 2 cents.
Ray

[Curt C.]

Re: 68 427 Radiator Replacement - Stupid Question

Shroud goes in first (just leave it sitting in place.) Then get a friend (or friends) to help maneuver the radiator in and around the shroud. Do not attempt by yourself. It helps to have a few set of eyes to watch all contact points as the radiator is lowered into place.

[Roberto L.]

Re: 68 427 Radiator Replacement - Stupid Question

Got the radiator out which proved to be quite interesting. The shroud was a challange. I'll know now to swing the smog pump out of the way to make the installation easier. But to be sure, shroud first or the radiator first when I go to install the repaired radiator. By the way, I did find the KM tag clip on the passanger side tank. All comments appreciated.

Metal fan shroud like in my 70 are easy, but the plastic ones in cars with Copper/Bronze radiators are more difficult. Options like AC or PS add to the problems. (AC cars are a PIA)

Working in a friend's 69 and in a 73 with wide radiators I found easy to loose three radiator support bolts on each side and remove 2 upper ones on each side to tilt a little the radiator support and have access to remove/install those big parts. Protect the radiator and be careful with the support as it's an structural part.

Best regards from Argentina

[Jack C.]

Re: 68 427 Radiator Replacement - Stupid Question

Many thanks, quite a few good suggestions in the thread.