Radiator support springs
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 696
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From: Central Connecticut
Radiator support springs
Does anyone know of a source for the springs that are used at the bottom of the radiator support where it attaches to the frame on a '50 F-1? I assumed reproductions would be available but I can't find them in any of the catalogs I have. I was planning to use the ones that were on the truck when I bought it but one of them was broken when I took it apart to clean them up .
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Have you tried Classic Haulers? Classic Haulers F-1 Parts - Home Give them a call toll free, the gals there are VERY knowledgeable and helpful!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,294
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From: NM
Neither the bolts, the springs, nor the rubber pads are repro'd. Best bet is to use carriage bolts, some valve springs, and a chunk cut from a tire tread. The downside of carriage bolts is that they aren't threaded very far. If your existing bolts can be salvaged they are better. Keep in mind the radiator saddle supports all the front end sheet metal, besides the radiator.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
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From: Sapulpa OK
A good hardware store should have some springs. Look for the same wire diameter and length. If you have to buy some longer ones and cut them down.
Radiator springs? Can't you get those from Pixar?
Radiator springs? Can't you get those from Pixar?
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 701
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From: Echuca VIC Australia
Send a message to 51Panelman, I'm certain he'll have some spares. The rubber pads are available repro now, I got one from Classic Haulers but Dennis Carpenters have them also for $3. The bolts I replaced with carriage bolts.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 322
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From: Old Hampshire, UK.
Good morning from England. Would someone be kind enough to post an image or exploded diagram of where these are fitted to the rad support panel. Are they essential or can judicious use of polyurethane spacers/bolts do the job?
Thanks in advance for your time.
Thanks in advance for your time.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
The red line below is meant to show where the crossmember is. The rubber pad is on the top of the crossmember, the springs are below.
I suppose urethane bushings could be used but the idea is that the springs allow the front end and radiator to be isolated from the frame, which twists and flexes a fair amount on rough ground. I think springs are a better idea.
I suppose urethane bushings could be used but the idea is that the springs allow the front end and radiator to be isolated from the frame, which twists and flexes a fair amount on rough ground. I think springs are a better idea.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 322
Likes: 1
From: Old Hampshire, UK.
Thanks for taking the time to post that,very useful. We're these fitted to the 56? Looking at the online sellers, they only show a rubber pad/sandwich type affair for the 56, which may just be a case of the aforementioned 'no longer available' comments.
Thanks again all!
Thanks again all!
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 696
Likes: 48
From: Central Connecticut
Thanks for all the responses. Now I wish I had saved some of the valve springs when I rebuilt the engine. Hopefully NAPA can sell me a couple. Normalbloke, here's a picture of the support before I removed the springs.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
The 53-56 did not use springs, just rubber pads between the crossmember and the radiator support. Those springs must let the doghouse bounce around quite a bit?
Possibly a holdover from war production where smoothish roads were practically non existent?
Possibly a holdover from war production where smoothish roads were practically non existent?
