Hello all. I'm new to this forum. I recently purchased a 1966 Ford F100 and am in the process of gathering information about restoring it.

My first question is: can I replace the old radiator support without taking the fenders completely off? If I have to take the fenders off, is there a guide that you would recommend? I've been looking through this forum and pages from google, but I can't find what I'm looking for. I'm more of a visual learner, so I'd prefer to have diagrams/pictures.

I have a 1966 Ford Shop Manual, however, it doesn't have much about this for a F-100.

Any recommendations are appreciated. Thanks for looking!

 

No the support will not come out without fender removal.

There are a lot of bolts but it is a fairly simple process to remove all of them.

Garbz

 

Welcome to FTE!.... if you want pic's look at the LMC online catalog, it has a brake down of the panels.

 

Before you think about starting that project hit each and every bolt with a good penetrating fluid. Not sure what part of country you are in but if in the rust belt somewhere it can get tough. Patience....

Remove front bumper first. (hood can stay on)

All that holds the front clip on is the 3, 3/8 studs at apron/firewall, the 2 lower at apron and fire wall and the radiator support bolts to frame, there are 2 bolts on rear of fender one lower on bottom and one inside kick panel area under plate a single phillips screw holds the plate on. Then use a 1/2 inch socket with an extension to get at the bolt.

Unplug your wiring harness from headlamps and park lamps and fish thru opening and remove all wiring hold down clips.

Also remove wiring from right apron, alternator harness etc.

Have someone give you a hand to lift entire clip off truck.

Once clip is off it makes it much easier to remove core support.

Battery box will also have to be removed to get at bolts.

I will try to get some pics of process.

when removing core support if support only is being changed leave grille and valance along with upper panel (with F O R D letters all together as a unit) Depending on build date of truck there could be either bolt/clips or bolt/nut holding aprons to fenders and apron to core support.
Its more involved that this but a quick rundown. If not rusty the entire clip can be removed in under 40minutes. Taking it all apart takes a bit more time... LOL

Welcome to FTE!

 

Thank you Boss!! That's really helpful and detailed advice!

Patience is key..which I think I have less of these days.

If you're able to get pictures, please let me know. Plus, I'm sure I'll have more questions as I go on.

 

Be sure to put masking tape on the edges to avoid paint scratches.

 

I am in the process of replacing the radiator support at the moment.
I just wish it was a forty minute job to remove the original.
I've been one lazy Sunday and expect at least another due to rusted out sprung steel etc.
Alls good because at the end of the day I will have something different that I will enjoy big time.