tdubis

Hey guys-

New to the forum, I was installing my new front bumper the other
day and could not get it lined up correctly. Then I noticed what looks like a crossmember under the radiator, was cracked on one side. I noticed that the space b/t the fender and door was awfully close and figured it was simply the fender brackets. Is this a part that can be replaced?? If so, is it a bolt on part or welded to the frame rails?? Thanks for the help!!

Oldsguy

Year and model of car would help us.

tdubis

Sorry...1971 Cutlass Supreme w/455.

Thanks!

Eric Anderson

It sounds like your core support. This bolts to the frame , they often rot out esp. on the battery side. The fender also bolts to this and if it is sagging will cause a problem with the door gap. Its not too hard to find a good one, you have to tear the whole front clip off to replace though. Good luck with it.

Bluevista

Yeah, the crossmember is under the engine, hope it isn't that.
There shouldn't be anything under the radiator except the core support as mentioned. Where is the crack exactly?, hard to picture. Maybe the core support bushings are bad? or one side at least. Look between the support and the frame to see if there is an even space or one at all. Also check if the metal is rusted or corroded from acid and and the support dropped through around the bushing/s.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Allan

tdubis

Yep, its the Radiator bracket broken on the drivers side. Looks to be quite
corroded. The bumper was pushed in a little on that side, thought maybe a fender bracket. The previous owner must have hit something and it gave way. Coincidently I found one local on Craigslist last night. The whole front clip for $300.00, although I only need the support. Hopefully he will sell just that. I have not seen this part at the usual outlets, Fusicks,Year one, OPGI..etc. Is this a Junkyard item only? Thanks for all the help. I have waited 10 years for another Cutlass and I am going to do this one right. Thanks Again.

Bluevista

I had to get one for my '71 Vista Cruiser because it was bent from an accident. They aren't reproduced as far as I know, just kept looking until I found a good one. I would suggest getting a 1971 factory assembly manual if you don't have one, available in reprint. It shows all the parts for that area and how they go together.

Allan