How to remove radiator without damaging it
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Oxford, Ga.
How to remove radiator without damaging it
I am in the process of removing a wrecked radiator SUPPORT and there are many welds to deal with. I want to remove another support from another good vehicle. What is the proper way of removing the places that are welded without doing damage to it. The vehicles are 1991 and 1994 Ford Explorer.
Thanks
Thanks
Last edited by MessengerII; Jul 16, 2009 at 10:57 PM. Reason: need to add the word support in heading
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Joined: Nov 2006
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Use a spot weld cutting bit for your drill. There are different types. One where you drill a small pilot hole thru center of weld, then use the spot weld bit (its like a mini hole saw). There is a spot weld bit thats about 1/4" in size, you only need that bit. Or you could try and use a regular bit, but you can run the risk of making the metal to thin on the other piece you want to save (depends on which side you can cut on)
You only want to cut through one layer of metal, and you can tell when this is accomplished. Preferably you want to try and cut thru from the side you are junking. Then once all the welds are cut, if the pieces dont fall apart, I use a heavy putty knife (1.5" wide) and hammer that between the metal at the welds. This can help cut thru any welds that might have been partially removed.
Here is a good tip for helping to line up the new sheet metal (only if its used) The spot welds will always line up with each other.
You only want to cut through one layer of metal, and you can tell when this is accomplished. Preferably you want to try and cut thru from the side you are junking. Then once all the welds are cut, if the pieces dont fall apart, I use a heavy putty knife (1.5" wide) and hammer that between the metal at the welds. This can help cut thru any welds that might have been partially removed.
Here is a good tip for helping to line up the new sheet metal (only if its used) The spot welds will always line up with each other.
