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Topic: 74 Radiator Removal

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


74 Radiator Removal

Posted: 11/23/12 4:25pm Message 1 of 6
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Portland, OR - USA
Joined: 9/30/2012
Posts: 26
Vette(s): 1974 roadster
I am trying to pull the radiator on my 74 small block. I think I have everything loose but can't seem to get the fan shroud and or radiator to lift out either together or independently. They seem to be pinned in by the upper A frame bushing bolt. Anyone have any hints on how to do this? Is it supposed to come out from the top?
 
 
                                  Thanks 



  
     
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Re: 74 Radiator Removal

Posted: 11/23/12 5:58pm Message 2 of 6
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Australia
Joined: 11/20/2012
Posts: 16
Vette(s): 1969 convertible blown 350 4 speed manual
Hi,
 
When I took my radiator out there was a bracket on the top with a rubber insert holding the radiator in place, the bottom of my radiator has 2 locating rods sitting in rubber bushes.
 
not sure if yours is the same though.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



  

Re: 74 Radiator Removal

Posted: 11/23/12 8:32pm Message 3 of 6
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
First, you need to remove the fan/clutch assy, if you haven't already. Then remove the upper/rear section of the fan shroud(it is two pieces). This will give you room to move the shroud rearward enough to clear the radiator...and give you a little more room to fight with the lower hose.
If the radiator has never been out of the car, it may be stuck to the radiator support pretty snug. But if the radiator will move easily, you should be able to pull it straight up and out.



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Re: 74 Radiator Removal

Posted: 11/23/12 9:40pm Message 4 of 6
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Red Lion, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 1182
Vette(s): 1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic
I found the easiest way when I did mine was to take the top 2 bolts out of the radiator support from each side. Make sure you leave the bottom bolt in place but loosen it slightly. This allowed me to stand the radiator up by pushing the top of the radiator towards the front end. Then it was possible to remove the radiator. I reversed this to reassemble. (You do have to take the fan and clutch off first.) The radiator and shroud were the most frustrating thing Ive done on mine. Hope this will help. It did on mine.
Best of luck
Rodney




Re: 74 Radiator Removal

Posted: 11/24/12 9:19am Message 5 of 6
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Peru, IN - USA
Joined: 6/2/2010
Posts: 87
Vette(s): 1978 Blue Edition 2001 Torch Red
I've had my rad out two times in a couple months , Once when I put the new motor in and again last week when I replaced radiator. ( should of did it when I changed engine but I was out of allowance money) Even old folks run out of allowance. What Rod 7515 said is the only way to pull a radiator with a one piece shroud without throwing  wrenches. Once you get the two bolts out on each side of the rad support out and loosen the bottom two bolts, just push the rad support and rad forward and rad should come right out. If you decide to pull the shroud out after the rad is out and clean it, be sure to put the shroud back in before the rad goes in. My rad is a 4 core and almost takes two folks to take it in and out without smashing fins.. Good time to inspect your clutch fan assy if you have one.


Re: 74 Radiator Removal

Posted: 11/25/12 8:31am Message 6 of 6
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Portland, OR - USA
Joined: 9/30/2012
Posts: 26
Vette(s): 1974 roadster
OK, I got it out. It wasn't easy though. I loosened the radiator support and pushed it as far forward as I could. as recommended, but it didn't go too far as I have A/C and the condensor is on the front side. The biggest obstacle was getting the lower radiator hose outlet past the upper a frame, once past that it came out.
                
               Thanks for all the help!



  
     

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