Radiator

[bobbyhi]

Got the new radiator today. Do I have to remove the fans to get the shroud off the radiator? Probably the first of many questions for this project.:redface:

[Hammer]

Got the new radiator today. Do I have to remove the fans to get the shroud off the radiator? Probably the first of many questions for this project.:redface:

I think it will be easier getting the shroud off if you do. They are pretty easy to get out if I remember right.

Are you replacing hoses, thermostat, antifreeze and flushing the motor while you are doing this too?

There are a couple of tricks that make this job easier, but it is pretty much an all day, or even two day affair if you are doing all the above.

Antifreeze - You can get the required antifreeze at NAPA. You want the green stuff that says silicated or silicates and has the 1825M rating.

Flushing - Use distilled water only. I think I bought 6 gallons.

Thermostat - Also at NAPA, 180d, #THM124, about $20.

Hoses - SAMCO on the registry store. Get the clamps too if you do this.

Shroud - when you get to this point, you want to be on the passenger side of the vehicle, pull the drivers side (having a friend on that side helps a lot) of the shroud up first and towards you. The you will have to wiggle it around the AC hoses but it is fairly flexible.

Post if you have more questions, lots of help here. You already know that though. GL

[tomtom72]

Oh yea I remember that project!:)

It's just alot of busy work & cussing at those six screws on the sides of the shroud......man there was a lot of those that got lost somewhere!:o

I pulled off the oil lines, mine were leaking so that was part of the project. I felt that that move made for one less thing to manouver the shroud around, fwiw. Just be patient because you will cuss the blasted packaging.....ya know 10 lbs of stuff in a 7 lb bag! Over at the netreg in the maintenance section there is a link to a write up and a write up that I found helpful to read before I did this......actually I read them several times, but I'm not too swift on most of this stuff!:redface: :sign10:

Word of advice, after this you may well see the benefits of the screen over the air intake, also at the manit. section @ the net reg!:wink:

:cheers:
Tom

[bobbyhi]

Thanks for all of the good advice. Really came in handy today. Got the shroud off, all the hoses off, radiator out, new serpentine belt in. Just waiting now for the new Samco hoses and clamps. All I can say is the GM must have had guys with awfully small hands and strong as an ox to get to some of those bolts and hoses.:mrgreen: I don't know how you guys changed the hoses without removing a bunch of "stuff". All went pretty well. I'm not looking forward to putting it back together again. Lining up all those holes and trying to get those #7 screws back in is going to be a real PITA!! 4 out the 6 should go easy once the shroud is lined up. Any hints as to lining up the holes??? A plenum pull should be easy compared tto this!!!!!!! Thanks again gentlemen:handshak: :thumbsup:

[Hammer]

Bob,

When you go to put the hoses back on, use a LITTLE dab of dielectric grease on the inside. They'll slip right on. The water pump hose would be a bear to get back on without it. I actually never got it on without the grease. You just kinda line it up on the bottom and give it a good hard shove with whatever leverage you can get (which ain't much). If you have enough grease on the end it will slip right on.

I forgot to mention the serpintine belt, good thinking there.

John

[bobbyhi]

With all the "garbage" out of the way there is room to push that hose on. I figured that I might as well replace the belt. Don't know when or if it ever was done. The hoses have been shipped and I expect that I will get them on Tuesday. Then the fun begins!!!!!!!!!!:redface:

[DaveK]

With a little spit and a lot of patience, the elephant deflowered the flea...

;)

Congratulations Bob, hope the refit goes well :thumbsup:

[cuisinartvette]

Wouldnt tighten all the clamps til your thermostat housing is back in also, you may have to move that a slight amount to get the bolts started.

[bobbyhi]

Wouldnt tighten all the clamps til your thermostat housing is back in also, you may have to move that a slight amount to get the bolts started.


Ron - thanks for the tip. Sure makes sense!! How did you make out with the power key? PM me if you still need the part.:handshak:

[bobbyhi]

Bob,

When you go to put the hoses back on, use a LITTLE dab of dielectric grease on the inside. They'll slip right on. The water pump hose would be a bear to get back on without it. I actually never got it on without the grease. You just kinda line it up on the bottom and give it a good hard shove with whatever leverage you can get (which ain't much). If you have enough grease on the end it will slip right on.

I forgot to mention the serpintine belt, good thinking there.

John

John - you mentioned to use a "LITTLE" dab of grease. What would happen if you used too much grease?? And what would too much be??

[Hammer]

John - you mentioned to use a "LITTLE" dab of grease. What would happen if you used too much grease?? And what would too much be??

I actually had to wipe some of the grease off as the hoses could be turned with the clamps tightened.

[bobbyhi]

I actually had to wipe some of the grease off as the hoses could be turned with the clamps tightened.

Gotcha....thanks:thumbsup:

[Hammer]

Gotcha....thanks:thumbsup:

You are certainly welcome. Good luck with the install.

[guinnessdood]

Bobby...one more thing...those #7 screws...the six on the top radiator shroud way down in front. Use a dremel or something and cut the shroud...and install the clips on the other piece and reverse the direction of the screws..they go in a LOT easier that way. Do you get what I mean?

[bobbyhi]

Bobby...one more thing...those #7 screws...the six on the top radiator shroud way down in front. Use a dremel or something and cut the shroud...and install the clips on the other piece and reverse the direction of the screws..they go in a LOT easier that way. Do you get what I mean?

Uly, got the hoses on tonight. That is quite a project even with the stuff out of the way. I don't know how you guys got them on without removing a bunch of crap!!!:confused: I think I know what you are talking about with the #7 screws. I am going to work on putting on the shroud tomorrow evening. I'll let you know how that goes:rolleyes: :pray. Thanks for the tip about the screws.........

[Jeffvette]

It's fairly simple. The most you should have to remove is the belt tensioner. I have had to remove the oil cooler lines on one car as whomever set the clamps did not pay attention to the orientation.

But yes, it is tight. A little silicone grease goes a long way.

[bobbyhi]

It's fairly simple. The most you should have to remove is the belt tensioner. I have had to remove the oil cooler lines on one car as whomever set the clamps did not pay attention to the orientation.

But yes, it is tight. A little silicone grease goes a long way.

You are sooooo right about the silicone grease. Really made the hoses go on pretty easily. Just finished installing the shroud. All I have left are the #7 screws. It was too late to use the dremel and reverse the screws but tomorrow evening I will attempt to get at least 2 on per side. That top one might not be installed. I don't see any problems occurring if it isn't there!!! Should be able to put the fluid back in also tomorrow. This was a pretty big project for a "shade tree mechanic".:mrgreen: Thanks to all you guys for your help and support.....probably wouldn't have done it if it weren't for your guys:handshak: :handshak: :thumbsup:

[bobbyhi]

Final report - IT IS FINISHED=D> The beast is back on the road again:mrgreen:

[Hammer]

Final report - IT IS FINISHED=D> The beast is back on the road again:mrgreen:

Nice. It should run cooler now too. Congrats Bob.

I have a header install coming up. Winter project though. I am talking with Jeff tonight about P&P the Inj housings and Plenum as well as some powdercoating. Red/Black car, I think I am staying with the silver. Any other combos look good in this car. Red maybe?

[jonszr1]

on those little screws . i know some might find it mickey mouse but i used small tie wraps which after 7 months are still holding

[bobbyhi]

on those little screws . i know some might find it mickey mouse but i used small tie wraps which after 7 months are still holding

I got 5 out of the 6 screws back in. Couldn't get the passenger side top on to line up so the hell with it!!!!! I have the red hoses and air hose. Looks good on the white car. With this project out of the way I just maybe tackle the plenum and covers and also send them out to Jeff (winter project). I haven't looked into the pricing yet.

[tomtom72]

Most of my screws got lost. My driver's side didn't work out back to OEM specs, the Pass side was okay though. My rad is clean & my temps come right down with any air flow at all. Okay so I'll not get any restoration points....but the car don't over heat in b to b traffic in NYC!....if I leave the air on the gauge goes backwards.:o :redface:

I'm happy with the way mine came out....it works!:mrgreen:

:thumbsup: Bobby!

[DaveK]

Congratulations Bob! :thumbsup:

Good to hear you're back on the road again - that must look nice with the red hoses :)

Are you thinking of going for white on the cam covers and plenum to match?

Dave

[bobbyhi]

Yes I would probably go with the white with red lettering. But then again, I really like the black chrome. I also like the red but think it is too much bling. Have to see what the pricing is before I decide.