Solid mounted radiator

[big dan]

Would there be any issues with solid mounting (no rubber isolater) an aluminum radiator to a tube frame?

Theoretically the frame wont flex since it will all be tubing that is welded with plent of gussets and my radiator has 1/2" mouting flanges on top and bottom Im considering drilling some mounting holes and attaching tabs to bolt it together. Does this sound like a bad idea?

If so whats a better idea? Ive been searching and read a dozen or so buggy build threads but it seems none of them show how they mount their radiators. I like the way blazinzuk did with horton but since I suck at custom fab work the simpler this is the better.

 

[sweetk30]

seen lots of guys use 3-4 of these per side on the flanges. http://www.mcmaster.com/#rubber-mounts/=i2ut7f scroll down left side and click
Chemical-Resistant Vibration-Damping Sandwich Mounts

 

[big dan]

seen lots of guys use 3-4 of these per side on the flanges. http://www.mcmaster.com/#rubber-mounts/=i2ut7f scroll down left side and click
Chemical-Resistant Vibration-Damping Sandwich Mounts

Great idea, thanks

 

[rampage]

Aluminum + steel = electrolysis

 

[blazinzuk]

Yes there would be a problem, its not the big flexing that hurts the rads it the small vibrations, harmonics if you will.

They will lead to small cracks and those obviously will lead to large cracks.

So use some type of vibration isolation system

 

[big dan]

I knew there was a good reason not to mount it solid, just couldnt think of it.

Think I am gonna try something like what sweetk30 posted. Thanks for the replies.

 

[cybrfire]

If the radiator was designed with that type of mounting in mind it could be done. Would love to do it that way myself.

Don't think I've ever seen one designed to be mounted solid.

 

[sweetk30]

old 60's mustangs bolted solid to core support .

 

[big dan]

I worked on a jeep for a guy a few weeks ago and its radiator was solid mounted. It's where I got the idea.

 

[dhcomp]

Tube or not, you will see some flex.

Also, it is easy enough to add some sort of rubber isolators....i see no real good reason to solid mount.

Stock style isn't the only way to go, but some sort of rubber is better than none.

 

[imiceman44]

It's not flex that worries me with an aluminum or brass radiator, it's the vibration, so if you have some of these vibration isolators like K30 posted that will do the trick.

Other wise the radiator will disintegrate slowly.