1974 Radiator Removal

[Jeff C.]

My neighbor and I are trying to remove the radiator from his 1974 L82 4SP with air in preperation to pulling the engine. We have run in to several problems. (1)The fan is removed. There are 2 one piece shrouds. The one close to the engine unbolts from the front one and is removed. the front shroud has been unbolted from the front frame that holds the radiator and the evaperator. Due to the shape of the shroud it is not possible to pull it up past the upper a-arms. (2) We tried to unbolt the radiator supports and pull the radiator up witout removing the shroud. Apparently we have not found all of the mounting bolt as it is still firmly attached to the frame. Years ago I removed the radiator from a 1979 and do not remember having any of these problems. AIM and shop manual have been no help. HELP!!
Jeff

[William T.]

Re: 1974 Radiator Removal

If memory serves.. the radiator support is bolted from the sides (accessed thru the wheel wheels), from the bottom (bolts are under the air dam) and the front support rod must be removed. I removed a base engine, no A/C, radiator last year without taking the hood off- very tight- be careful not to damage the radiator! I would advise taking the hood off and removing the radiator/support together while leaving the shroud in place. Best wishes- have fun!

[Robert S.]

Re: 1974 Radiator Removal

I have done this task twice on two different 74's with air. As the previous post says you must remove the fan, fan clutch, rear fan shroud extension, radiator hoses upper radiator support brackets and the bolts holding the radiator shroud (ie side bolts and bottom bolts and bottom braces holding the radiator shroud) and you will really need to remove both of the actuators for the headlights as you will need to rotate/tilt the radiator support (with the engine and a/c radiators attached) forward and will need to make room for the a/c radiator mounted on the front of the radiator support by removing the actuators. Once you do all of this the radiator and support can be removed as one subassembly. If this is the original radiator support it is likely rusted and may need replacement. Also get a seal kit from Dr. Rebuild as you will need to replace all of the seals when you put it all back together. P.S. you do not need to break into the AC lines for this task.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1974 Radiator Removal

Jeff I don't know how much different the 74 radiator shroud is from my 1970, however the upper control arms do interfere with my 70's shroud/radiator removal.
I have done it a few times over the past 39 years.
I remove the upper control arm on the passenger side to allow removal of my shroud. I put my floor jack under the lower control arm and raise it enough to remove the front passenger tire. Lower the jack some, and unbolt the two bolts that retain the upper control arm. Remove the alignment shims and tape them together and label them for easy reinstallment.
The upper control arm is easily moved back into the wheel well out of the way. It is not supporting a load with the floor jack under the lower control arm. I also remove one of the upper control arm bolts from the brace. The bolts are an interference fit, but come out easily. Place a nut on the end to knock it out to preserve the threads.
After removal of the shroud and radiator I remove the forward control arm bolt to make assembly a little easier.