Did I screw up my lower radiator core support?

[74BlueFish]

I saw that someone braced the core support this way, but now I'm thinking the radiator won't sit low enough.  I'm going to put in an aluminum 26 inch from Challenger Gary.   (Have not bought it yet)  I tried to find pics of the bottom of the radiator but haven't had much luck.  Do I need to cut this out and start over?

Thanks;
Dan

[anlauto]

Most likely or put a smaller rad in...

[brads70]

I used this rad in mine and it mounts about where  you have that built up?
http://www.allstarperformance.com/product.htm?prod=970




On the bottom I got a few pairs of these from a wrecking yard. They take out all the stock aluminum rad for scrap and these are just sitting there to grab. They are  mounts for the bottom of stock rads.


It's easy for you all you would need to do is make the oval hole and install the rubber mount. The bottom of the allstar rad fits perfect on it. Or if to big just trim the rubber till it fits . Its best IMO anyway to mount the rad in rubber and not solid.

[brads70]

For the top I made these brackets and simply pop riveted them so if I need to  replace the rad I just drill out the rivets and transfer over the brackets to the new rad.  I also mounted the top in these rubber well nuts
( available at Lowes) Holes are already there. I might have drilled one more can't remember it was 5 years ago now. I used stainless steel carriage bolts then milled the flats on them so I could hold it with a wrench so it wouldn't spin when I tightened it. Used washers to space it away from the core support and locknuts.



I'm into the K.I.S.S. method.... Keep It Simple Stupid.... and cheap!

[74BlueFish]

Thanks Brad,    Thats what I needed to see.   I was thinking I was going to have to cut my brace out.   So i think it will work now.
Anyone have a picture where the stock radiator sits at the bottom?

Dan S

[Chryco Psycho]

it is very tight to the factory brace at the bottom of the rad

[74BlueFish]

Thanks Chryco

I will still need to decide what to do now,  Cut it out or try the radiator Brad used.

Dan S

[jimynick]

Like Brad said, why not the KISS principle? Stick the rad in the hole and go from there; if it needs trimming, then trim or make brackets if req'd. Basically an automotive version of play the ball where it lays. Who knows, maybe you won't have to do anything! Good luck 

[rhamson]

Thanks Chryco

I will still need to decide what to do now,  Cut it out or try the radiator Brad used.

Dan S

I had a similar issue with my US Cartool lower radiator brace. They did not send the extensions for the stock radiator to be used. I called them and John said he would send me the extensions. They never came but he did tell me I could use a modine style radiator which basically flows the water horizontally instead of vertically. I opted to make my own brace extensions to utilize the stock radiator. Here is a picture of them.

[burdar]

I question the need for a rad brace anyway.  With the K-member bolted in place, how much flex can there be?  A completely welded and braced K will help even more. 

[brads70]

I question the need for a rad brace anyway.  With the K-member bolted in place, how much flex can there be?  A completely welded and braced K will help even more. 

 
Besides that I'd weld a bar straight across at the end of the frame rails joining the two frame rails together. Lots of room to do that.

[fishn4cuda]

I question the need for a rad brace anyway.  With the K-member bolted in place, how much flex can there be?  A completely welded and braced K will help even more. 

I completely second this!! I personally don't understand all the structure overkill and un-needed weight. This isn't a Rustang with no front support...lol

[rhamson]

Besides that I'd weld a bar straight across at the end of the frame rails joining the two frame rails together. Lots of room to do that.

I noticed an improvement in the rigidity of the frame over just a Kframe. I think with the Kframe just being bolted in and not welded was what made the difference. I guess a welded brace across the frame in front can give just as much support but I have this one in now and it serves the purpose. I had a 440 with over 500 HP and the front end flexed and bucked like crazy with out the supports. I am going for more HP so I wanted to beef this up more than ever, We'll see.