Say it aint so

[brusso]

Someone please tell me that I don't have to remove the hood to replace the radiator on a 75 w/ac.

 

[68Roadster]

Not sure about yours but on the 68 I did remove the fan and loosen up the shroud and out she came......rotsa ruck!

 

[brusso]

The shroud has dimples where the forward end of the upper control arm bolts go into. The shroud will not move away from the radiator, unless I remove the upper control arms. So it looks like the radiator has to move away from the shroud. With the a/c condenser, in front of the radiator, it doesn't look like there is enough room to move, unless the hood is removed. I can get the old one out, with a prybar, but I don't want to damage the new one.

 

[Robin7TFour]

BRUSSO, just mark a line on the hood around the hinges,then everything will go back easy. plus once the hoods removed you'll find all sorts of places to detail in there,,


ROBIN

 

[brusso]

So it is so. :cry

 

[Vett-Less]

Lucky you dont have a BB. If you did here is the stuff that had to come out. 1) Rad Fan, Hood, Then pull fan shroud, rad and rad support as a unit. In the GM book it states 7 hours labour to replace a BB rad.

 

[brusso]

The reason I'm :cry ing is because it's just me and my wife, who hates the car, in the house. So I'm kinda lacking in assistance dept when it comes to lifting off the hood. Has anyone done it by themselves?

 

[Dave L.]

If she really loves you she'll come out and help! Or get the neighbor to come over and help.

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

do you have provisions to hang things from the ceiling?? the hood only weights 5-8 lbs, super lite. you can open the hood and rig some lifting straps to the latch loops in the rear of the hood. then pull the bolts and lower the hood yourself. i have done mine a couple times without assistence, it sucks, it takes more time, but it can be done. good luck, Brian

 

[Robin7TFour]

BRUSSO, if you're working in the garage, attach a hook to the ceiling. then using a soft rope and some rags make a sling(4 points of the hood) to hold the hood while you remove the bolts. then pull up am the hoods out of the way. and ready to be lowered when you are done.
my wife hates my vette too. i have to do all my work alone too.

i feel your pain ,my brother

ROBIN

 

[tonyk72]

Does your 'vette have this option?

It makes radiator removal a snap! :L

 

[rainman]

I replaced the radiator in a 75 that I used to own. I removed the hood myself without hurting the car or myself. However, it would have been much easier with help. Putting the hood back on alone is harder. Be careful with the fan shroud. I tore mine and they're a little pricey.

 

[brusso]

I was thinking of doing that tony. I think that I may try the sling thing like Robin and Akray suggested. Thank you all for your support.

 

[brusso]

I hear yah Rainman. My shroud isn't exactly mint anymore. I guess that I should have asked before prying.

 

[tonyk72]

I was "lucky" enough to already have that broken fan shroud when I needed to pull the radiator...I used cardboard in between the rad & shroud to avoid bending any fins when I yanked it out...but I did have my dad help...and it was a bit of a tight squeeze. I could probably do it solo now that I know what to do.

 

[Scooter76]

I had to use that option after I finally managed to get my shroud out. Unfortunantly when i put it back together I neglected to check the clearance between the fan & the shroud & when the engine torqued it knocked a big hunk out of the top. After that I gave up & ordered my Spal electrics. Much more room & the rad. can come out in 10 min.

 

[KenSny]

......the hood only weights 5-8 lbs.....

Don't count on it...... You need a new scale....

 

[brusso]

Well the hood is off. I put large eye bolts in the rafters and hooked a couple of ratcheting straps to them. Worked like a champ. Now, once I can find the time, I should be able to move the condensor far enough to allow tha rad to clear. Thanks to all for the help.

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

glad the "old trick" worked again, keep us updated on your progress. Brian

 

[Robin7TFour]

BRUSSO, glad to help. this is a great site for learning how to maintain our toys! 27 years with disney, and i finally can share some of the neat things i've learned.

ROBIN