Topic: Fan shroud removal questions
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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I am trying to remove the fan shroud without braking anything. The fan has been removed, I have removed the small section of shroud that is held on by the 5 small bolts but the main body is extremely tight and the radiator wont move at all. The upper supports are off, I dont see anything else that would hold it in place and I dont want to crack it by prying. I was underneath of it and i didnt see any bolts holding it in place. What am I missing?

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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
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There are two studs on the very bottom of the radiator support that go thru the shroud, with nuts on them. Do you have those off? If you're really lucky, you'll be able to get the nuts off without twisting the studs right off.
Also, I have found it easiest to pull the radiator with the shroud, all together. The lower part of the shroud fits super tight around the lower radiator hose fitting and the control arm on the passenger side, and it's next to impossible to get the shroud out without messin something up...so I just pull the rad. with it. It's a little more work, but much less chance of busting the lower hose fitting off the radiator...
Adams' Apple 2009-09-22 19:42:19

Also, I have found it easiest to pull the radiator with the shroud, all together. The lower part of the shroud fits super tight around the lower radiator hose fitting and the control arm on the passenger side, and it's next to impossible to get the shroud out without messin something up...so I just pull the rad. with it. It's a little more work, but much less chance of busting the lower hose fitting off the radiator...

Joel Adams
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if you have a two piece shroud you should remove both pieces before removing the radiator, the rubber radiator mount insulators get hard over the years and they can lock the the radiator into the bottom mounts, you will have to wiggle the radiator a bit till it wants to come out, replace the 4 insulators with new ones when you reinstall.
Joel you beat me to the punch on this one,I cant speak to rubbber bumper cars but but when I got the car the bottom piece was missing and the upper was cracked, the shroud came out ok,so new repoduction radiator and shroud, but going back in was a bear, I put the radiator in first but I found that the shroud would not go in because it would not clear the upper control arm and the lower hose neck at the same time, so out comes the radiator and put the shroud and radiator in together, for one guy it was a b
h and to try not to ding the fins, I recomend you get some help going back in, one guy on each side, then I found that the bottom half fit so tight against the hose I spent a couple hrs filing on the lower to get some clearance so as to not rub a hole into the lower hose. anips 2009-09-22 20:12:58

Joel, Yes the bottom nuts are already out by the previous owner. Looks as though both have been twisted off. I was hoping there were others somewhere that i missed. Guess its just a matter of pulling and working it out. sounds like more fun!

Hey Rod,
Mine is a '79 so it may be a bit different from your '74. Anyhow, look for two metal clips at the very bottom of the lowest portion of your fan shroud. More than anything they seem to hold it all in place.
Hope this helps.
Kevin
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Yup, esasiest to to pull the whole darn thing, rad and all.

If you're not careful (or find leaks, or MAKE leaks), you'll have to do it several times. You get pretty good at it after awhile.

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Duncanville, TX - USA
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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
To make sure you don't damage the fins of the radiator when removing /installing, get a couple of pieces of cardboard, and tape them to the front and back sides of the radiator...this will keep from damaging the fins, or poking a hole in the core...

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I am not telling you to do this!!! just info only.
My shroud on my 74 had be cut in half by the previous owner. One cut at the top and one cut on the bottom.
So he must have lost his patience trying to get the bugger out..
But it did make it easier for me when I put in a new radiator. I was able to splice it back together where it is hardly noticeable. But still wish it had not been cut in half. Maybe I should have bought a new one?



But it did make it easier for me when I put in a new radiator. I was able to splice it back together where it is hardly noticeable. But still wish it had not been cut in half. Maybe I should have bought a new one?

Steve, Lifetime Member #129
74 coupe 4 speed 350, 54K actual miles,
all original; paint, interior, engine,
split bumper. #'s match. 2nd owner, no stress cracks.
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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