Radiator scoop (upper and lower)
 

Does anyone know where I can get the upper and lower radiator scoops made out of aluminum. (not the engine oil cooler shroud/scoop). I am referring to the two pieces of fiberglass located in the nose. If I remember correctly, the upper piece was already installed in the nose when I received the body. I had to install the lower piece.
I had a slight run in with a concrete curb and cracked the lower radiator scoop piece and the body below it. I can repair it and repaint, but I have always wanted to replace it with aluminum and now would be a good time.

Thanks
Paul

Paul,

I did try forming aluminum sheet over the fiberglass pieces. I used thin aluminum sheet from the hardware store, bent by hand and held in place with clamps. It sure seemed easy enough and using three pieces for each bottom and top, it looks like it'll work.

I was encouraged enough that when I get my Cobra back from the paint shop I'll be giving the Cobra aluminum scoops. I figure I can use doublesided sticky tape (carpet tape) to hold the aluminum to the fiberglass.

You guys are going to force me to tell you all my secrets!

Ok,Ok, come to the Fling and I'll tell you!

DV :3DSMILE: 300 Cobras is NOT enough! And, by golly we are going to make it!\

PS.. you do it in one piece and one piece only!

DV

I am already registered to come to the fling, got my room reserved and everything. I am trying to get my car ready for the fling. HELP!!!

Thanks
Paul

ps my email address id cobra427@mnsi.net

Using a single piece of aluminum? This I've GOT to see. One more reason to look forward to the DVSF!

Ok,Ok,
Just for you two :)

Don't laugh! First take a trip to your local hardware store. Roofing department. Buy a roll or at least 8' of roofing flashing 12"s wide..catching on aren't ya?

Now I can either send you a paper pattern, email your address'
again, or take a piece of masking paper, or similiar to use as a pattern.

It actually only takes about 4 feet or so, 12 inches wide. Lay out you paper, mark center. Now lay out your pattern and roll each end inward. Now place in the snout of your car. Mark and trim to fit tight in the snout. It will overlap at the top, all you need is about a two to 4 inch overlap.

Going to take longer to describe this than to do it. The fiberglass inserts usually have a very small gap between them and the body. If your lucky it will be at least 1/4" all the way around. If there isn't you can disregard, but we take a cut-off tool with a wheel and slice between the panels for the needed 1/4". This allows the aluminum to slide right in between the inner and outer panels. Again, not needed but sure makes a very neat installation if you can get it.

You will find you have to have a very, very clean area to lay out your aluminum. Any dirt, chunks of cardboard, a small stone, anything will dent you new shiny aluminum insert!

After you have your pattern exactly the way you want it, transfer it to your new aluminum insert. Simply mark it with a felt pen and cut with a sharp pair of scissors.

Again, simply mark the center and instead of rolling both ends in on each other just let it roll back up, overlapping the ends at the top. You will have to squish it down a little to fit, but trust me, it will go in. Once you have it in the snout let it unwind, line it up and pull it into the little gap around the nose or at least tight against the inside edge of the nose.

OK...back up a little When you install the lower fiberglass piece, trim it where it over laps with the factory installed upper piece. You want the smallest over lap you can get. Now if you really want it to look slick, slap a thick coat of body filler over the seams and just smooth it out before it dries. Sanding is only necessary if you have any ridges.

Ok, back to the install. If you have a front sway bar, I simply cut a straight line from front to back, dead center of the swaybar. Measure but roughly one inch inward I then cut a circle out for the the bar, then while fitting I simply twist apart the initial slice pushing the panel back onto the bar.

If you're running an oil cooler and coming in from both sides, I cut the holes in the fiberglass before installing the aluminum. Once installed I then simply feel around for them and use a dremel to make the cut outs.

Now you ask, how do you attach it?

Now you have it loosely installed, push it in as tight as you can. I simply use three large head rivets on each side, running front to back. You want to place these just below the left and right seams of where the original fiberglass pieces are joined.

Now at the top you should have the above mentioned overlap. Use large head rivets, three or four will do it nicely. being carefull NOT to drill all the way through the nose! Just the inner layer/shell please. Yes there is room, just be carefull. Pop rivet in place, re-install the cooler if you have one, and that's it!

Actually it takes less time than it did for me to type this. In fact, I am doing this exact procedure tomorrow. Yes, I will attempt to post photo's but this funky computer of mine has been giving me fits lately!

Is this clear as mud, or is it like my usual instructions?

DV -- 300 Cobras is NOT enough! Are you registered?

radiator scoop
 

Thanks DV

I think I understand your instructions. I will try it. Hope you will see a nice shiny aluminum insert in the nose of my cobra at the DVSF II.

Thanks again. You are so much help and , I might add, very generous to share your secrets !

Paul

Roofing flashing, what an idea. Thanks DV!

Sorry guys, didn't forget you, but my computer is right in the middle of a PMS bout...again :(

I'll try getting the pictures up in a day or two.

DV

I do it the same way DV does it, go figure. I have also done this with polished stainless and it looks great but a bit more difficult to work with. Another trick I use is on the brake vents in the front. The hardware store has a nice gutter cover than is aluminum and has the right look to cover the brake vents. The best part is it's about a dollar. Just cut the cover a bit larger than the opening and bend the edges over. I use a little silicone to keep it in place. Looks great and it's cheap.
Don