'72 radiatir support removal?

[Tom L.]

I already have the hood off, Condender, radiator and shroud out of my car. The radiator supoport is fairly new and in good shape but it could use some paint. How difficult is it to remove and will a second set of hands be needed? Not sure if it's worth the trouble. Thanks.

[Robert S.]

Re: '72 radiatir support removal?

I have done this task on two different 74's. You should be able to remove it yourself. Bolts are on the sides and bottom plus you must remove a brace rod on the bottom. All fairly obvious - no hidden fasteners. On the two that I did there were no shims along the sides although I believe I read that shims are present on some cars.

[Alan S.]

Re: '72 radiatir support removal?

Hi Lynn,
I found that the core support MAY be wedged quite tightly between the aprons. Mine was tight and I pulled the top of the support back a couple of inches which seemed to take the pressure off the aprons which allowed me to pull the support up and out. Yours may well be loose once you remove the bolts.
It's not too heavy for one person, but be careful with your hood surround paint as you lift it over.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Ala

[Tom L.]

Re: '72 radiatir support removal?

I did remove it tonight, no big deal. Fortunately it slipped right out.

I looked at the JM, quickly I'll confess, I didn't see any description of paint for it. Is there a suggested level of golss?? Suggestions are, as always, appreciated.

[Terry M.]

Re: '72 radiatir support removal?

The backside -- the part toward the engine compartment would have received thew same bloack-out as the engine compartment at the same time and by the same person. I suspect there was some minor effort at spraying back out on the front of the core support as well, but wait for those who have disassembled their early C3 to chime in. I only learn from studying original cars that are generally assembled when I see them.

[Tom L.]

Re: '72 radiatir support removal?

Thanks for the info on the black out, the support is not original to the car so there's no evidence of black out on it. That I'll be able to do that once it's back in the car.

While out I'd like to paint the entire support, any thoughts on gloss level??

Also, would it be recomended, or not, to install the support with condenser, radiator and shroud as one unit? It crossed my mind and I'm not sure if it would create more problems than it's worth.

[Robert S.]

Re: '72 radiatir support removal?

Personally I would install the support, radiator and shroud as a single unit and then install the condenser at some later time. To do this will require two people due to the weight of the subassembly. I cannot comment on the OEM gloss level although mine has a gloss level more towards a gloss black than a satin black but I do not know that the finish on mine is original.

[John H.]

Re: '72 radiatir support removal?

While out I'd like to paint the entire support, any thoughts on gloss level??

Lynn -

The radiator support was flow-coat primed semi-gloss black - it went through the same flow-coat prime system as all the other steel parts that were received raw.