Need ideas for making some upper radiator brackets...

[lambdebois]

Hi everyone,

I have been putting this off long enough and am where I need to get this figured out. My problem is the upper mount brackets do not line up with the slots they are supposed to go in. Specifically the passenger side slot is about a half an inch to far to the fender. I assume it may be due to the support being hit and straighten and the metal was stretched slightly from the impact. Is that what happened?

Have any of you mounted your brackets a different way or figured out a different way to hold it?

Also does anyone have pictures of their ac/ hoses and how they are routed coming off the factory condensor?

If anyone is close and thinks they might be able to figure something out they would be more than welcome to stop by and look at it. I'd gladly trade a case of beer or something.

 

[broncow72]

A 1/2" stretch of the metal would make it like foil. Sounds like something else is going on and I would try to figure that out before re-engineering things.

 

[lambdebois]

A 1/2" stretch of the metal would make it like foil. Sounds like something else is going on and I would try to figure that out before re-engineering things.

I'll take some pictures and post them when I get back from dinner this evening so you can see what I am talking about.

 

[lambdebois]

some pictures....

Okay back from dinner.....

The side in question with the radiator mounts lined up...

The other side showing how that bracket is lined up where it should...

 

[Madgyver]

On this thread there is a way that I made mine......Pics will show you....

 

[bax]

I made a sheet metal one. Two bolts on the core support and 2 bolts thru the shroud mounting holes. I also moved the radiator about an inch towards the passenger side to mount the radiator closer to the core support. bad pictures but it's all i could find.

 

[lambdebois]

I made a sheet metal one. Two bolts on the core support and 2 bolts thru the shroud mounting holes. I also moved the radiator about an inch towards the passenger side to mount the radiator closer to the core support. bad pictures but it's all i could find.

I like that idea because I do not know how to weld and that approach would make thing easier for me at this point in time.
What thickness sheet metal did you use?

 

[Gummi Bear]

Try this:

When I upgraded to a 4 core radiator, I had similar problems. I bought James Duff's 4 core brackets. The newer radiators are just a little bit bigger than the OEM ones.

Install the lower brackets, and leave them a little loose. Set the radiator in them, and get them lined up. Slide the upper brackets into place, and line them up. Once they're all where they need to be, you can center the radiator and tighten up the brackets, a little at a time.

They'll be just a hair out of true from perfectly straight, but there's enough fudge room in there for you to be able to put it all together, and it'll hold strong for years to come.

Mine have been in my 76 that way since 97 or so, when I put in that radiator, and still no issues.

 

[Madgyver]

I like that idea because I do not know how to weld and that approach would make thing easier for me at this point in time.
What thickness sheet metal did you use?

This a great time to learn and a valuable skill to have while building your bronco. Find a friend who knows how to weld and get some guidance,
Pick up a $399. Fluxcore 120V weldpak from Lowes or Home Depot. Some kits come with a CD to guide you through..

Welding body panels and such is simple and easy.
It is welding to the frame, steering components, suspension, drivetrain, etc that you wtll want an experience welder to take care off.

 

[lambdebois]

This a great time to learn and a valuable skill to have while building your bronco. Find a friend who knows how to weld and get some guidance,
Pick up a $399. Fluxcore 120V weldpak from Lowes or Home Depot. Some kits come with a CD to guide you through..

Welding body panels and such is simple and easy.
It is welding to the frame, steering components, suspension, drivetrain, etc that you wtll want an experience welder to take care off.

I agree completely. It is a skill I have not learned but have always wanted to learn and plan to in the future. The guy I bought the bronco from said he would be more than willing to teach me but unfortunately he is 3-4 hours away from me.

Thanks for all the advice and ideas everyone. I really appreciate it.