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I was hoping someone here has run into this problem before and come up with a solution. I have a walker radiator with the attached AC condenser. When I went to fit the radiator into the radiator support the cross brace on the support interfered with the AC condenser. I feel like my only option is to grind off the rivets holding the cross brace, And install spacers to move the cross brace out far enough to avoid the AC condenser.
I looked at unscrewing the condenser from the radiator and putting it lower so it was under the cross brace, but there just isn’t enough room. If this seems way off base, please let me know. I feel like this is the best option but I would love to hear opinions.
To get the condenser to fit on the front of the radiator with the radiator mounted to the support frame you will have to remove the cross brace and install spacers. That is what I did to mine. I removed the rivets, made spacers out of 3/4 inch square bar stock and bolted it back together using the original holes in the cross brace. I made up a threaded nut plate for the button head Allen bolts so I would only have to hold one nut in place while I bolted it up. Here are a couple of pictures of the completed installation.
Condenser mounted to the radiator in the radiator support with the reinstalled cross brace.
Cross brace, spacers, nut plate and bolts.
Front detail of the bolted cross brace.
Detail view of the cross brace, spacer and nut plate installed.
My radiator is from U. S. Radiators, and the condenser is a Vintage Air unit. I attached the condenser to the aluminum frame of the radiator with #6-32 screws in holes I drilled and threaded in the radiator side frame.
To get the condenser to fit on the front of the radiator with the radiator mounted to the support frame you will have to remove the cross brace and install spacers. That is what I did to mine. I removed the rivets, made spacers out of 3/4 inch square bar stock and bolted it back together using the original holes in the cross brace. I made up a threaded nut plate for the button head Allen bolts so I would only have to hold one nut in place while I bolted it up. Here are a couple of pictures of the completed installation.
Condenser mounted to the radiator in the radiator support with the reinstalled cross brace.
Cross brace, spacers, nut plate and bolts.
Front detail of the bolted cross brace.
Detail view of the cross brace, spacer and nut plate installed.
My radiator is from U. S. Radiators, and the condenser is a Vintage Air unit. I attached the condenser to the aluminum frame of the radiator with #6-32 screws in holes I drilled and threaded in the radiator side frame.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Originally Posted by 52 Merc
Actually, I think that sounds like the most functional and feasible option, not to mention the easiest way to address the issue. Go for it.
I got Wayne's approval and pulled the trigger almost immediately. I didn't execute it as well as you did though. I used barrel spacers and hex bolts as a proof of concept, but wasn't very happy with the result (partly because the spacers were too long and it was hard to tighten the nuts onto the bots inside the support). I dont have any pics of my result, but it's probably for the best I don't.
Now that I've seen yours Phillip, I am going to copy that design exactly! Thank you so much for your input! I knew someone here was probably smarter than I am, and you proved me right! Reps coming your way!
BTW, my condenser came preinstalled to the radiator, but I will use the method you used to attach the fan and shroud to the radiator.
I got Wayne's approval and pulled the trigger almost immediately. I didn't execute it as well as you did though. I used barrel spacers and hex bolts as a proof of concept, but wasn't very happy with the result (partly because the spacers were too long and it was hard to tighten the nuts onto the bots inside the support). I dont have any pics of my result, but it's probably for the best I don't.
Now that I've seen yours Phillip, I am going to copy that design exactly! Thank you so much for your input! I knew someone here was probably smarter than I am, and you proved me right! Reps coming your way!
BTW, my condenser came preinstalled to the radiator, but I will use the method you used to attach the fan and shroud to the radiator.
I center punched the rivets and then drilled through the head down to the brace surface. Then I used a cold chisel to whack off the head and a punch to remove the rest of the rivet. Once the brace is off, bolt your radiator/condenser to the frame and lay the brace across the condenser. You can then measure how much of a spacer you need and add in at least 1/8 inch more. It was easy to make up the nut plate and it is easier to hold in place while you start the bolts. I used stainless steel bolts and a thread lube with the nut plates.
