How to build a Griffen radiator mount and what size?

renaissance man · #1 (**permalink**) 05-31-2002, 06:39 AM

I need to install my new Griffen radiator. I got a "chevy" version as the water outlet to the pump is on the lower passenger side to match up with my passenger side pump. My OEM radiator had the lower hose below the subframe crossmemeber and seems a bit low. The hose had to be run under the frame. The Griffen mounts their outlet about 4" up but now that's right in line with my rack and pinion and I can't hook a hose to it? My OEM was a 24"x 19" with tabs to mount to the car frame. The Griffen is 22" x 19" and I need to build a mount. My mount is on a slant. I can't get this 19" radiator to stand straight up and down as it will either hang lower than the frame to clear the hood hinges or if placed inside the engine compartment, would have to sit on top of the rack and pinion?

In a nutshell:

1. What size radiator (dimensions) are you using? Have a P/N?

2. Does anyone have pic's of how there radiator is mounted and hoses run?

I'm "racking my Pinion" over what should be something simple to build?

Help....

Bob Putnam · #2 (**permalink**) 05-31-2002, 11:50 AM

Ren,

It would help if we knew what kit you've got.

This is how we mount the radiator. We make plates with mounting studs for the top and bottom of the Griffin rad.

renaissance man · #3 (**permalink**) 05-31-2002, 08:19 PM

Sorry Bob,

Guess I should have put the basics down. The kit is an "SMC". No longer in biz but identical to a B&B.

What size Griffen do you use Bob? Mine is 22"wide x 19" tall. It looks from the illustrations like your bottom mount is slightly canted to the rear? So, you use no side supports for the radiator? I have some 4" stock billet aluminum that would make a nice support if I could figure out how to secure this bugger. I'm hoping this size radiator will work?

Thanks for helping out. I'll post a pic or two of the current frame if I can get these pics to upload. Got 4 pics (first 4) uploaded when you "view my photo gallery". I labled Upper Front Crossmember's and Radiator Mounts.

Regards,

Bob Putnam · #4 (**permalink**) 06-01-2002, 06:30 AM

Ren,

The overal size of our radiator is 24" wide and 19" high.

We add separate plates onto the top and bottom of the core, with studs that go into grommets in the chassis mounting brackets (which also serve to mount the fan). The radiator can't move anywhere. Of course we use shrouding on both sides too, so that any air entering into the nose must go through the core.

renaissance man · #5 (**permalink**) 06-01-2002, 07:49 AM

Do you think that this is doable with my current setup Bob?

renaissance man · #6 (**permalink**) 06-03-2002, 02:08 PM

Anyone have any pics of their radiator mount and size of radiator?

Bob Putnam · #7 (**permalink**) 06-03-2002, 02:36 PM

Ren,

Mondays...

I would mock up a radiator and see if it's going to fit. Your hood hinges extend pretty far back so the radiator will have to be mounted a little below and to the rear of them. The bottom of the radiator will be pretty low so the bottom mount will have to hang well below your front chassis rails (assuming that you support the radiator on the bottom). Alternately, ou could probable have side pieces welded to the tanks.

renaissance man · #8 (**permalink**) 06-03-2002, 02:58 PM

Thanks Bob,

Don't know why I didn't think of a "cardboard radiator"? A lot easier to handle. I ordered a new 24"x19" today in exchange for the narrower 22" that I had.
Thanks again for your help.