Hey everyone, is this radiator top plate correct for a 72 cutlass? I've seen reproduction ones and the ends look different than this one I have. Thanks

 

It kinda/sorta looks like the correct top plate. I've taken these from the 1972 GM Factory Assembly Manual.
There may be differences in design depending on whether it's a HD radiator, standard radiator, 455 vs. 350, std. equip 442 options, etc. I don't have page 52 of the FAM but it appears there may be differences as indicated in the image for part number & usage refer to page 52.

 

Are the reproduction ones you are looking at for 4 row radiators and as opposed to the 3 row ? ( The end braces would be wider)? Similar question as Vintage Chief's, ie HD radiator verse standard duty radiator (3 row).

 

You have to be a little careful about the illustrations in the PIM, as these are engineering drawings done in the most expeditious way possible. The important data is the part number; the actual illustration may not exactly match the production parts. For example, both of those drawings are recycled from the ones for the 1971 models, as you'll note that the core supports don't show the extra "bumps" used on the 1972 core supports. Back when I was driving a drafting board (before Computer Aided Design systems were common), we made wash-off mylars of prior drawings and used them for revisions. Given how labor intensive this was, we typically only changed what absolutely needed to be changed, especially on assembly drawings like this. And yes, the top plate for the four row radiator looks different from the one for the 2 and 3 row radiators. I suspect most of the ones you see for sale are for four row radiators.

The more interesting thing to note is that the four row top plates can be made by modifying a three row top plate, as shown here. The repro saddles are available from many of the usual suspects, like Inline.

 

Very good information. Thanks Joe.

 

Ok, I guess I'll modify my three core top plate then with the 4 core brackets. Do I have to replace the brackets at the bottom of the core support with 4 core brackets or just replace the insulators? Thanks

 

And what's the difference between these brackets? Is one top and the other bottom? Thanks

https://www.ebay.com/itm/71-72-CUTLA...MAAOSwi7RZNwBi

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-72-Old...EAAOSwomJaoY9F

 

Yes, you have to also replace the bottom brackets, and yes they are also available.

 

They are exactly the same parts. The $39 version has $4 shipping. The $42 version has free shipping and is actually the better deal. Typical marketing research to see which way sells more product, plus many people only look at the sale price, not the total delivered price.

 

Joe, are the brackets for the top plate and the brackets for the bottom of the core support the same? Thanks

 

Oldish thread but similar question about the top plate. I'm working on my 1969 Vista Cruiser (350, A/T, AC) and need help with radiator top plate and radiator fitment. I can't tell what top plate I have!

The radiator is a 4-row, but I'm not sure if it is original or not (could be since it's an AC car). The top plate that came on the car is a bit mangled on the passenger side and never fit the radiator tank well there, the other side seems OK. However, it doesn't have an integrated bracket like the 4-row tops, and the end that receives the rubber saddle doesn't look like a '69 3-row plate. Is this an alternative version or from a later model?

Thanks for any advice!

 

That's a two/three row top plate that has been beaten into submission to fit a four row. I suspect that your lower saddles on the core support have been equally pounded on.

Notice how a correct four row top plate (upper photo) has the saddles spot-welded on, vs the two/three row top plate (lower) where the saddles are stamped as part of the whole part.

 

Thanks Joe! The new photo (I think it's from an Ebay posting?) shows the detail on the stamped saddle well and matches mine prior to "massaging" into shape! I couldn't that well in the first photos posted. Looks like welding on the saddle braces would be the way to go or getting a new 4-row top plate.

 

Joe, my 2/3 core mounts were also spot welded on. I had to drill them out to change to 4 core mounts. Gentle massaging😉was needed on the top and bottom to fit the 4 core mounts.

 

Hi Joe
Jumping in on this old thread. I am adding a shroud to my modified 72 Olds 442 ( 350 auto; non-AC). It already has a 3-row radiator installed but the top plate doesn't have the hols for the top shroud screws.
All the top plates I see online are for a 4-row ( with those holes to add the shroud).
I'm also told that a top plate for a 3-row radiator with a shroud does not exist aftermarket. I have to find an original & clean it up.
Know where I can get one? Or do I just drill the 2 holes in the top plate I have now and call it a day so i can get my car back on the road?\

 

My old 3 core top plate from a 1972 has 1 set of slotted holes for mounting the shroud - same as 3 core top plates shown above.
I have one I don't need and they also are frequently available on this site but shipping costs suck. Keep your eye out locally for one on CL. I bet Nick Z. (442crzy) has one and he's in NJ.
But overall, I'd say just drill the holes and go for it.

 

Thanks v8al. I'll do just that

 

Jersey Chris,
I am in Lancaster, PA. I believe I have the three row top plate from my 72. I can try to find it this week if you consider that within driving distance.

 

Thank you Loaded68, but I may have just found one near me in NJ.