Crooked radiator
#1
Crooked radiator
My 71 cutlass was apparently fitted with 442 parts long ago.
The 4 core radiator sits crooked with the top leaning forward by maybe 1 1/2" so the fan shroud doesn't fit and there's 2 sets of lower rubber bushings so the radiator stays tight.
I'm wondering if the top support plate for the 4 core radiator is different than the 2 core support or other mounts might be different, or something else stupid.
The 4 core radiator sits crooked with the top leaning forward by maybe 1 1/2" so the fan shroud doesn't fit and there's 2 sets of lower rubber bushings so the radiator stays tight.
I'm wondering if the top support plate for the 4 core radiator is different than the 2 core support or other mounts might be different, or something else stupid.
#2
The top support plates would be different for a 4 row. Specifically the rad cradle length. I would think their would be only two top plates, One plate to accommodate a 2 and 3 row rad, and another top plate for a 4 row rad.
This is what I remember from working in a rad shop back in the early 80's after school.
This is what I remember from working in a rad shop back in the early 80's after school.
#3
It could just be the lower radiator saddles are not correct. The 3 row saddles can be flattened so a 4 row radiator will fit, but for the radiator to sit upright the saddles have to be flattened on both sides and not just the rear.
#4
Here's some pictures of what the 2-3 row top plate looks like vs the 4 row. Which one do you have? I'm thinking if the previous owner didn't change out the lower brackets they may have also just bent out the top plate brackets too. John
2-3 row
DSCN5984.jpg
4 row
P8111150.jpg
2-3 row
DSCN5984.jpg
4 row
P8111150.jpg
#8
I don't have an extra 4 row top plate. You could create a parts wanted thread to see if anyone here has one for sale. There's several on ebay right now priced from $100-150. Consider if they have the rubber bushings still or not before you buy one as that would add to the price. I believe several places sell the reproduced rubber bushings, but personally I'd try Fusicks first if it were me. John
#10
#11
The strange thing is... this is my 10th Olds. 7 of them were 68-72 and the other 3 were 73,76 and 77. I guess I never paid attention to the radiator top plates!
Anyway, got one ordered on E-Bay. $122 shipped.
Anyway, got one ordered on E-Bay. $122 shipped.
#12
Now I'm thinking that my fan shroud is wrong too.
Edit: Now that I looked at it, it has a sticker dated 69 on it and it looks just like the one listed as 68-72 heavy duty cooling system...
So I'm crossing my fingers for this one to be OK!
Edit: Now that I looked at it, it has a sticker dated 69 on it and it looks just like the one listed as 68-72 heavy duty cooling system...
So I'm crossing my fingers for this one to be OK!
Last edited by johncj5; January 22nd, 2017 at 10:20 AM.
#13
If you want to be sure post a picture of the shroud and the numbers cast into it. Then we can compare it to ours and let you know. It shouldn't be a sticker, there should be a two digit date with a starburst of lines around it. Then a long part number, maybe 6 digits? John
#15
The sticker part number is for 70-72 Olds on the Fusick engine compartment sticker page. That gives me some hope!
http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts....sp?number=DC43
http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts....sp?number=DC43
#16
It won't hurt anything with the rad sitting on a slight angle, and Mike was correct that is a 73-77 top plate. If you have a 4 row with a functional shroud I would leave it unless your looking for something your car was born with.
Eric
Eric
#17
Not to confuse the issue, hopefully, but there are top plates for AC & non AC. The 2 plates that Adam shows are for cars with AC & a shroud. The non AC top plate extends further back into the engine compartment than the AC shroud & is shaped slightly different. If your car did not come with AC, (or heavy duty cooling), it did not have a shroud.
#18
If I unbolt the top plate and make the radiator straight up like it is supposed to be, the fan doesn't hit. It's a Cutlass S with 442 trim, so all the "born with" stuff is already out the window... I'm just going for functional.
#19
I see you already ordered a top plate on Ebay, hopefully it will work out. You may have got away with putting a few washers under the mounting holes on top of the plate you had to get the shroud a little lower.
The plate Oldspackrat mentioned would work as well since you don't have air, but you don't have a fixed fan either which is better suited for a non A/C car without an enclosed shroud.
On a good note you're already close to being set up with a clutch fan and shroud if can get it to work.
Eric
The plate Oldspackrat mentioned would work as well since you don't have air, but you don't have a fixed fan either which is better suited for a non A/C car without an enclosed shroud.
On a good note you're already close to being set up with a clutch fan and shroud if can get it to work.
Eric
Last edited by 76olds; January 22nd, 2017 at 01:36 PM.
#20
#21
I hope your new top plate hooks up well with your shroud, If not you will be able to make it work I'm sure.
Eric
#22
That's what brothers are for!
I knew something had to be wrong weather it was at the top or bottom. Glad there were a few who knew just by looking at it.
Now I'll impatiently wait for the parts.
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