54 Radiator support question
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,964
Likes: 1
From: Woodruff, SC
54 Radiator support question
Ok i need enlightenment, I'm getting ready to put the radiator support back on and i have the support kit with new bumpers and two shims and bolts. What i need to know is if i use both rubber shims or just one, Also if the two outer bumpers are supposed to sit on the frame. When i pulled this off it had a small rubber shim under it and no rubber on the bumpers so i'm not sure how everything is supposed to sit.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
I am about ready to do the same install and was looking on the mid-fifties site. Looks like there is a rubber shim on each side but someone will come along that has done this and give you more info. Here is a bumb back to the top.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,849
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From: S.C.
The rubber bumpers sit on the frame so the rad support will hit it when the truck dips left/right. The pads I may not be correct but this is how I put mine like this
(1) radaitor support
(2) rubber insert
(3) core support (frame)
(4) rubber insert
(5) then the metal insert
(1) radaitor support
(2) rubber insert
(3) core support (frame)
(4) rubber insert
(5) then the metal insert
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,964
Likes: 1
From: Woodruff, SC
Well the way i put mine in is the bumpers are just about sitting on the frame and i have one rubber insert between the frame and core support and it's bolted together. Hope thats it, Seems firm enough.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,849
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From: S.C.
I just checked Midfifty catalog there is a drawing on how it suppose to be installed its the same as I mentioned however, pictures beat directions anyday.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,964
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From: Woodruff, SC
I saw that but their kit has a metal plate as where the kit i have doesn't. Also my radiator support has threaded inserts so the bolts thread into the support. I just ran the nuts down on them to help lock it in place. How much space is between your bumpers and the frame? Mine only have enough space to slide a business card through.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 100
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From: Boulder
Sounds like you're on your way to doing it correctly. (See page 121 of Mid-Fifty). I did this two months ago and I found that I had to go back and loosen every bolt and nut I had tightened on the radiator support in order to get the remaining pieces(upper valance, etc. ) to line up.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 956
Likes: 0
From: Bend, Oregon
I just took mine apart, Mid fifty has it right, if you like pics, the space is tight as you mentioned...my rubber was gone so the support was loose...Just in case, trust your using new carriage bolts...mine were all fused and i used my angle grinder to free the bolt from the nuts!...if you need any other assistance I have pics of the dis assemble
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