[Jakal]

Can anyone tell me how to figure out if a core support is for a small block or a big block? I got a used one out of a 69 front clip. I got a Be Cool radiator which fit into the brackets on the core support before I put it in the car. I thought I would check before I stuffed the support in. Just when all seemed right with the world... the radiator won't fit in the support now that it's in the car. The lower brackets are about 1/2 an inch too far to the right side of the car. Now I'm not sure if the support is wrong or if I was sent the wrong radiator. I'm hoping they sent me the wrong radiator because putting in the support was so much fun I just don't know what I would do if I got to do it all over again. :bang
Thanks for any help!

 

[73 Mike]

I asked Rodger on another forum for a GM part number for a replacement frame that I got. Not sure if this will answer your question, but at least the ones below are interchangable.

#339176
69- 427 except heavy duty
70-72-454 exc. HD
73-75
76 first design

Incidentally, how bad was the support replacement? I was planning on doing it on Sunday.

 

[6880 Mike]

You lost me. If your aftermarket radiator fit your '69 support before you installed it, then the same radiator should fit with the support in the car.

:surprised

 

[Jakal]

The brackets on the support are the right distance apart but are offset too far to the right for the radiator to fit inside the car. Since big blocks are offset to the right I thought the support might have the brackets offset to the right too. Or Be Cool sent me the wrong radiator. :lookinup: ???
Does that make more sense?

 

[Jakal]

73 Mike, r&r on the support was mostly awful. I didn't remove the hood though. I hear it goes better without the hood. Use lots of penetrating oil because you won't be able to use a torch for most of the job. I only broke 1 bolt. I partner to help line up the new support will make life easier too. It took me about 2.5 hours to pull the old support. Getting the new one in was harder than pulling the old one out. Hopefully without the hood on the fenders will spread a little and it won't be such a tight squeeze. Good luck.

 

[73 Mike]

I have the engine out right now so I'm hoping that the job will be a little easier. Having said that, I'm going to take your advice and hose down all of the bolts today with PB Blaster and make sure that there's lots of beer in the fridge.

 

[Jakal]

:cheers: