New Core Support? Sources?
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 15
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Certifit may work, but ask to look at the piece before you pay. Much of that stuff is PAPER thin and will rot out before your original piece that has a 40 year head start!
And yes the metal can be cut out and a patch welded in it's place.
And yes the metal can be cut out and a patch welded in it's place.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
Thank you for the heads-up....I am leaning towards repairing the existing core, as I am already over-budget 
and most of the support is rock solid and very paintable, even where the core mounts to the frame (most importantly). We shall see.
and most of the support is rock solid and very paintable, even where the core mounts to the frame (most importantly). We shall see.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 15
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Metal is semi thin on the things and where its rusty the thing will just disintegrate with the heat of a welder on it - so go slow and be careful. In the end the thing is just metal though so you can always make it look like there never was an issue. MUUUCH easier that working with wood IMO.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
I had the same thing on mine; replaced with one which was in great shape for about $40 from a salvage yard which allows you to go find which ever parts you need & remove them yourself (sorry not sure about the forum etiquette on naming stores and such; its a national company, I think there are locations in your area). Been getting lots of stuff there for cheap.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
This is true but I got lucky and found one with much of the front clip torn apart. One more thing... I learned this the hard way.
There are two different core supports; one for smaller engines and another for the big blocks like mine. They both look the same and only differ in the radiator support.
Ya I was frustrated when I had to put my old one back in to go get the correct support. Anyway its in now so I am happy.
There are two different core supports; one for smaller engines and another for the big blocks like mine. They both look the same and only differ in the radiator support.
Ya I was frustrated when I had to put my old one back in to go get the correct support. Anyway its in now so I am happy.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
radiator core replacement follow up question
Does radiator core support for 73-79 F-Series offered by LMC and NPD accept both rectangular and round head lamps. LMC does not specify but other aftermarket parts dealers like NPD have the wording for round head lamps. Mine are square. will it work. Anyone ever been done this road before. My guess would be that they are the same. I do have the 27-1/2" opening for the oversize radiator.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 15
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Not sure how the aftermarket parts work but the headlight bucket mounting locations for round vs. square headlights are different. I think the dimples for both are there though. Do a little searching around here for grill or headlight swaps (people wanting to convert from round headlights to square or vice-versa) and you'll get the info - along with pics most likely.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Your support looks in just a little better shape than mine. The rot on mine was in the same area. I cut out the cancer and welded in a patch, after some grinding and sanding you really cant tell... Did not think that a new part would have nearly be the same strength, so I fixed the original.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
If the Super Cooling radiator is present, its support (D3TZ-16138-D) has a larger opening radius than the standard/Xtra Cooling & A/C radiator (D3TZ-16138-B) support.
The dimples for rectangular (square) headlamps will only be found on the specific 1978/79 rectangular headlamp radiator support (D8TZ-16138-A).
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Ok, I bit the bullet and purchased one from LMC. To my amazement it bolted right up perfectly without any modification. It was also solid and heavy like my original. The planets may have just been aligned right when I installed it.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 15
From: Costa Mesa, CA
As original: If the radiator support fits 1973/79, it's for round headlamps only. And...there are two different '73/79 supports for round lamps.
If the Super Cooling radiator is present, its support (D3TZ-16138-D) has a larger opening radius than the standard/Xtra Cooling & A/C radiator (D3TZ-16138-B) support.
The dimples for rectangular (square) headlamps will only be found on the specific 1978/79 rectangular headlamp radiator support (D8TZ-16138-A).
If the Super Cooling radiator is present, its support (D3TZ-16138-D) has a larger opening radius than the standard/Xtra Cooling & A/C radiator (D3TZ-16138-B) support.
The dimples for rectangular (square) headlamps will only be found on the specific 1978/79 rectangular headlamp radiator support (D8TZ-16138-A).