Custom radiator mounts

[DR]

What have you done to mount your radiator?

It seems that no matter what I do, I cant keep my radiator in place. My front end seems to flex more than it should. I have replaced the entire core support along with new body bushings, radiator mounts, and new rubbers... And it still moves. It flexes enough that it cracks my core support. This last time I had an issue with it I re welded the cracks in the core support and ran 1/2 square tubbing from the frame to the core support at each side of the radiator trying to stiffen it up. I also recently added windstar fans to the mix. I built a metal frame for the fans that attaches at the top and bottom of the radiator thinking that it might stiffen up a little bit.

This passed weekend I went out playing and the front twisted enough that it made a jagged edge on the front side of the radiator. The radiator then moved enough that it caught the jagged edge and gave me a nice big hole! So, I am back to square one. I think my next step will be to start from scratch and build a custom support of some type. Im thinking something that mounts the radiator solid with no rubber. Any thoughts? Has anyone else encountered anything like this?

 

[dyeager535]

I can't remember what year GM started, but do you have the reinforced engine crossmember?

I'd look at everything up there, you've got something wrong if it twists enough to do what you describe.

Without boxing the frame (and probably a triangulated cage), the radiator would be toast in short order solidly mounted.

 

[MUDmaniac3]

i've never had any problems with mine but eventually i had planned on tubing the core support and building my cage into it. best idea i could come up with after hearing everyone else having problems. i suggest just building some custom mount

 

[DR]

Im not sure about the crossmember, but a custom one is in its future. Along with a cage. Just waiting for money and time.... Maybe adding a second crossmember closer to the front would help?

Yea, a custom mount is what im shooting for. Just not sure exactly what or how yet. I have an idea, just not sure how to make it work yet. Im thinking a one piece metal shrowd that secures the top and bottom of the radiator. Then, if the top and bottom cant move seperatly of each other everything should stay in place.

 

[MUDmaniac3]

you would think. i wonder if just changing over to the ORD engine crossmember would work

 

[down4thakrown]

ratchet strap and picecs of raditor hose.....mines been goin on 4 years with no problems with the same strap......