radiator support reuired?
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 43
From: maryland
radiator support reuired?
does anyone know if the rad support panel is required on a 51 f1? does the support do anything? does it hold the fenders together? i'm using an alluminum rad and want to delete the support for the stock rad for more space with the new raD INSTALL. CAN I DO THIS WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE SUPPRT OF THE FENDERS or anything else? it would be easier to mount the new rad without the old support if its ok to remove!
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
From: Saskatoon SK Canada
radiator support reuired?
I don't think it will compromise the strengh but you will have to put something from where it mounts to the frame to the fenders because that is the only front mount for the fenders. The other mounts for the front sheetmetal are at the rear of the fenders (running boards to fender, two on the fender sides)
Nathan
Nathan 
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,813
Likes: 6
From: Connecticut
radiator support reuired?
The radiator support hold the rad. in place plus it supports the inner fenders and the fender braces. The support and inner fenders and the braces are sandwiched together with 3 bolts on each side that go thru the braces, pass thru the inner fenders and thread into the support. Remember the support also has the 2 bolts that go thru the frame with the 2 springs, etc.. That allows the nose to "flex". Without that, the sheetmetal will do the flexing. You shouldn't bolt the nose down solid to the frame.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
radiator support reuired?
I recently dismantled the front sheet metal on my truck. Based on the way the fenders and radiator are supported by it, I would not try to eliminate the original support. Is there some reason why you can't fit the radiator inside the original support? That's what I plan to do. As long as the new radiator has some kind of bracket for mounting, you should be able to make it fit within the original support.
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 43
From: maryland
radiator support reuired?
my rad is too wide too fit inside the support. i have to remove the support or put the rad behind the grill before the support cauise its too close to the fan on the motor side of the support. should i leave the support and put the rad between the support and the grill?
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
From: Saskatoon SK Canada
radiator support reuired?
Have you thought of having a new radiator support made that fits the fenders and the rad? I think this is your best bet.
Nathan
Nathan Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
radiator support reuired?
It should not matter if you put the radiator between the radiator support and the grille as long as the brackets are secure. You might need a fan extension since the fan should be within one inch or so of the radiator, and use a shroud of some sort if you can. If fact, if you mount the radiator between the radiator support and grille, you may be able to use a stock shroud since it bolts directly to the radiator support.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 43
From: maryland
radiator support reuired?
i may try removing the support and making a new one out of angle sleel so i can keep the stock location of the rad and for the fan to be in the same spot as before. then i can use the springs on the bottom of the stock support also. what do you think?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
radiator support reuired?
That should work okay provided you use the same type of spring mount for your new core support and don't mount it solid. Just use the original core support as a pattern and get the holes for fender support in the same exact place.
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 43
From: maryland
radiator support reuired?
just got done removing the stock support, now i understand about the front clip mounting with the springs. thanks for all the advice, im in the middle of making a replica of the original out of angle steel in the mesurments that i need. i will also be retaining the bottom cross bar with the stock springs fo the front clip! thanks!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kyle j
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Oct 15, 2011 05:13 PM
jamie kirstein
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Jan 26, 2009 08:18 PM
nsaikia
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
17
Apr 9, 2007 09:34 AM