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Topic: Radiator Removal

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


Radiator Removal

Posted: 10/7/08 9:00pm Message 1 of 12
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Walla Walla, WA - USA
Joined: 12/2/2007
Posts: 52
Vette(s): 1978 L-82 Pace Car
 I'am fairly sure I have a leaky radiator, was wondering what the proper procedure to remove it and if I have to take off the hood?


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Radiator Removal

Posted: 10/7/08 10:02pm Message 2 of 12
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Joined: 9/8/2005
Posts: 241
Vette(s): 1980 with a Banks Twin Turbo 1969 Convert Big Block 1996 Grand Sport Convert
  I just took mine out Yesterday. I understand that it is possible without removing the Hood. However I know that removing the hood is one of the easyest things you can do to a C3 and that it would be a real battle if you don't.  Just keep track of any Shims that are going to fall out when You loosen the Bolts . Plan on replacing the Seals that go around the Radiator and the Rubber Sockets that it fits into when it all goe's back togeather. Most People don't and then they get some Heating issues because the Air is going around the Radiator and not hrew it.


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Radiator Removal

Posted: 10/7/08 10:06pm Message 3 of 12
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Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
You should not need to remove your hood but having a helper is important. Not sure what your fan shroud is like but my guess is that its like whats on my 76. Not a lot of room to wiggle the radiator past it. You will want to remove the fan belts so the shroud can be moved back by the engine. Cover the radiator fins with cardboard on both sides to protect them while removing and installing. Also do a search, there are some posts on this. One other thing is to check the radiator support for rust along its bottom.
 
And I agree radiator seals are very importantWink
suncountry2008-10-07 22:08:50


Radiator Removal

Posted: 10/8/08 6:20am Message 4 of 12
Former Member
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Walla Walla, WA - USA
Joined: 12/2/2007
Posts: 52
Vette(s): 1978 L-82 Pace Car
Thanks for the info, It is my day off and I quess the car did not want me just sitting around 


Radiator Removal

Posted: 10/8/08 6:33am Message 5 of 12
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HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
I agree with Suncountry's advice. Once you move the shroud back, the radiator should more or less slide out at the same angle as the rad support, which should definitely clear the hood.
 
You absolutlely need a second set of hands.
 
Good luck,
 
Paul



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Radiator Removal

Posted: 10/8/08 6:36am Message 6 of 12
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Central Islip, NY - USA
Joined: 5/9/2005
Posts: 120
Vette(s): 1976 stingray, 350 C.I. 325HP 4 speed, t-tops white.
Take it from Suncountry, he's right. I just replaced my radiator last year and it was a Angry, but it was done and I fine the need for speedCool.


Radiator Removal

Posted: 10/8/08 8:54am Message 7 of 12
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Joined: 3/19/2005
Posts: 385
Make it easy on yourself, remove the hood, its easy and you can work faster without worrying about damaging your hood. Either way you do it, it will be much easier if you have a helper. Good Luck, Gene gs77vet2008-10-08 08:56:32


Radiator Removal

Posted: 10/8/08 12:48pm Message 8 of 12
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Dorr, MI - USA
Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581
Vette(s): 71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp
One thing I did on my 71 is pull the fan. Then you should then be able to pull the shroud right out. I didn't pull my hood off either. 
You oughta try doing this for a living.Wacko



Radiator Removal

Posted: 10/8/08 5:57pm Message 9 of 12
Former Member
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Walla Walla, WA - USA
Joined: 12/2/2007
Posts: 52
Vette(s): 1978 L-82 Pace Car
Got it out, had to do a little surgery on the AT lines since they would not break free so time for a little shopping, thanks for everyones suggestions!!!


Radiator Removal

Posted: 10/8/08 7:50pm Message 10 of 12
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Canada
Joined: 6/23/2008
Posts: 558
Vette(s): 1972, 1980
If you need a little more room installing undo the top rad support bolts and tip it towards the front of the vette.


in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


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