Driftwood
Well-known member
I recently removed the original radiator support from my 69 SB as the bottom was totally rusted out, and installed a new one I ordered from Corvette Central. I was glad to get it done because the old support was so bad the radiator dropped and the lower neck was sitting on the front sway bar. The new support appeared identical to the one I removed.
With the new support installed, now my hood hits on the top of the radiator support frame when closed. The hood actually rubbed on the old one too, but just a little and it wasn't enough to affect the hood alignment. But the new one must be a little taller since it now causes the very front of the hood to flex up and sit higher than the fiberglass nose in front of it. I'm curious if any adjustments can be made. I assume the support is installed properly since it aligned with the bolt holes on the bottom and sides. And the hood isn't too low as it has good alignment with the fiberglass on the sides and the back (towards the wiper door) when closed. It just has a gap in the front.
I'm considering removing the hood and banging on the top of the radiator support with a hammer and a wood block to bend it down a little. I went to a car show today and saw a 68 with marks on the underside of its hood from the radiator support, so maybe it's a common problem. Any suggestions?
Also there is a metal rod connected from the center nose of the car that bolts to the center bottom of the radiator support. I installed this no problem. But I see a 2nd metal rod from the nose that is a little longer than the other rod and I have no idea where it goes. I've looked in the Assembly Manual to no avail. Anyone have any idea what I'm referring to?
Thanks,
Andy
With the new support installed, now my hood hits on the top of the radiator support frame when closed. The hood actually rubbed on the old one too, but just a little and it wasn't enough to affect the hood alignment. But the new one must be a little taller since it now causes the very front of the hood to flex up and sit higher than the fiberglass nose in front of it. I'm curious if any adjustments can be made. I assume the support is installed properly since it aligned with the bolt holes on the bottom and sides. And the hood isn't too low as it has good alignment with the fiberglass on the sides and the back (towards the wiper door) when closed. It just has a gap in the front.
I'm considering removing the hood and banging on the top of the radiator support with a hammer and a wood block to bend it down a little. I went to a car show today and saw a 68 with marks on the underside of its hood from the radiator support, so maybe it's a common problem. Any suggestions?
Also there is a metal rod connected from the center nose of the car that bolts to the center bottom of the radiator support. I installed this no problem. But I see a 2nd metal rod from the nose that is a little longer than the other rod and I have no idea where it goes. I've looked in the Assembly Manual to no avail. Anyone have any idea what I'm referring to?
Thanks,
Andy
