Blk71SX

Cutlass Gurus step up

Ref: 71 Supreme w/CAC

These seals attach to the upper radiator support by push fasteners. Year One offers two styles, Type 1 and Type 2 with no explaination of the difference. Anyone have first hand knowledge of these seals?

Jamesbo

Fusick sells a large and a small The small is 3" X 11" and fits an A body

FYI the repos come with round plastic push clips while the origional have a square head and are metal.

Nilsson

Look at the width, the wider are for cars without AC or HD cooling.

Jamesbo

Are you sure?

We went thru this [or rather I asked the A/C question a while back] I'm fairly certain the smaller ones work on and A/C A body but are sorta twisted on the passanger side of the rad.

Naturally, I can't find the thread at the moment.

Jamesbo

Are you sure?

We went thru this [or rather I asked the A/C question a while back] I'm fairly certain the smaller ones work on and A/C A body but are sorta twisted on the passanger side of the rad.

.https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...s-c-442-a.html

Nilsson

Right, the smaller are for cars with AC and like I said the wider/larger are for cars without.

Jamesbo

Gotcha

Dumb ole me thought the larger ones were for larger cars

Nilsson

[quote=Jamesbo;125184]Are you sure?

We went thru this [or rather I asked the A/C question a while back] I'm fairly certain the smaller ones work on and A/C A body but are sorta twisted on the passanger side of the rad.

.https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...s-c-442-a.html[/


I am assuming your meaning of smaller is the narrower style? This is correct for cars with AC or HD cooling and like I said the wider width is for cars without AC or HD cooling.

The smaller one is not for any A body if that is what you meant. Use the smaller ones on a non AC car and you have a large exposed gap that does not look good especially on the passenger side.

Jamesbo

Hum

Well, my 69 drop top 442 w/ A/C came with the smaller one. I can take a pic in a few hours if you'd like.

And yes it does look goofy on the passanger side. That's why I started the thread a few weeks ago.

Bluevista

If you saw the pic of my seal in the thread Jamesbo linked to it's a '71 350 w/AC and they're 3 inches wide.
Mine are original and the one on the pass. side is notched for the AC lines.
I think the green metal push pin clips were used up to 1970?, mine are the plastic type and are original.


WTH, here's the pic.



Hey Jamesbo, I got the "thing" you sent me.
Thanks again.
I'm going to go try it as soon as I drag my butt off the computer and will report my test results back to you.
It may be awhile.

BTW - My Flickr page just told me that "Jambo" is hello in Swahili, what a strange coincidink?

Allan R

Well, "Jamesbo" Allan H
I also have the black round push clips on my car and its original too. I will be replacing my rad end seals with new repros bought from Fusicks. Gotta go look at them, I don't remember if they have the holes drilled in them to accept the clip?? Anyway, I'm changing them because I'm upgrading the cooling system to a 4 core HD and installing a new NOS fan shroud, HD water pump, fan clutch and 6 blade fan. I'm still thinking of buying the overflow reservoir from Fusicks. Right now I have the "generic" one that Year One sells - it works. BTW I also bought the lower air dam side diverters, so I'll probably drop the front bumper when I'm doing this. Might as well, cause it also makes it easier to install the new grilles too. Looks like you took the time to carefully redo your rad support and braces in satin. You do awesome work and it shows so well. No wonder Sandy wants you so badly....

Jamesbo

The Fusick ones have holes drilled [ one centered / one off center] and come with the plastic round push clips.

Jamesbo

Citcapp got his too. I sent Sandy one but haven't heard from her.

After you try it .......................start a thread. I really like it but I will leave it up to the "Show Ponies"

Blk71SX

thanks for all the replies! looks like I'll work up an order for Fusick. I have the originals that were hanging down from the bottom fastener, but they're deformed and brittle.

71rocket

EUREKA!!! Now I know where that darned thing goes.

Blk71SX

be aware the Fusick catalog is incorrect concerning description vs application of the Radiator Shroud seals. the seals listed for non AC cars are actually for autos with AC and vise versa. I didn't do any measuring of the original seals before I ordered, I just went by catalog application and they are wrong.

Jamesbo

How so?

Please elaborate

Blk71SX

trimming wouldn't be a problem, it's the stretching that is!





the new ones are 2" too short between the mounting holes

Allan R

Have you talked to fusicks about this? Hopefully they can send you the right ones since it's their oops.

Jamesbo

Mine from Fusick's fit fine. Are you sure you're using the right lower holes?

Blk71SX

they are 2" shorter than the originals, look at the pic

hamm36

I see this is an old thread/couple months, but I made my own out of EDPM. The black push pins you can get at Ace Hardware for .20 cents eh.
And I made a pair of these bumper baffles.

Allan R

Ok, I give up. What is EDPM?

hamm36

Sorry, EPDM
EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene Monomer (M-class) rubber),[1][2] a type of synthetic rubber, is an elastomer which is characterized by wide range of applications.The E refers to Ethylene, P to Propylene, D to diene and M refers to its classification in ASTM standard D-1418

Bluevista

EPDM is classified as a closed cell rubber sponge material.

Masticated rubber is the correct material for radiator seals, A frame seals, splash shields, baffles.
You can get it from Restoration Specialties by the sheet.

dingusboy

It's also used in commercial roofing. Check roofing supply outfits or call commercial roofing companies for trash pieces

Allan R

Does masticated rubber have better heat resistance or life? Not sure, I'll have to look, but aren't there fibres in the radiator seal material too? If this stuff isn't really expensive, it would be worth buying a sheet, getting a template and making new seals for everyone.