I bought a direct fit replacement radiator, electric fan and mount. Well the fan mount didn't have enough adjustment to reach the shroud attachment. Made extensions and riveted them into place. I go to put the radiator in place and it will not sit low enough. I have trimmed the rubbers in the brackets which helped but I still have every bit of a half inch as seen in pic. Only thing I can think of is extending the top bracket? Would be easy enough but anyone know how close the hood is to the top of the radiator?
How is it that I always get the crap that does not fit. I am spitting nails right now. Will have to pull everything back out to get a coat of paint or two on it. It's looking good, but I am not satisfied yet and worried about hood clearance.
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
Can you fill the 1/2" void with a rubber shim or something?
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
I ripped it all back apart and massaged the brackets a ton. That helped more. Took some long bolts and sucked it down which simply picked the rad support up some. I guess when I allign everything on assembly it will finish the forcing into place. Needed the bracket all the way down cause bolts go through it on the front face of the support.
Keep a close eye on it when you actually start using it. My crew here has had enough problems with Mishimotos leaking on delivery that we stopped buying them.
The last one we just sold the warranty replacement NIB and didn't even bother testing it.
They used to be some of the best, especially at the price point. We started having trouble with them mid-COVID. I don't know what changed then, but something did.
As long as they don't leak, they do perform quite well.
Put playdough or clay or tin foil ball on top or radiator/bkt and gently close hood to see clearance.
BTW, pony did give dimensions of radiator. If you buy an aluminum radiator from the 100's of sellers, check the dimensions. Ask questions if dimensions don't jibe. Reas internet build blogs, Ask members here what worked. That is standard procedure for anything. Many sellers have no idea about what they are selling esxcept LS chrome dress up accessories and sun screens.
When you compare prices be sure to include shipping cost. They vary wildly. Some may be free.
Sometimes Rockauto can be a good drop ship choice. Radiator for 66 is $300 Others that are usually good. Summit, Speedway, Jeggs, Amazon
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
I really don't know how you guys find these fly by night drop ship companies. Specializing in Mustang parts no less. Stick to the vendors we use that specialize in our era trucks.
CJ Pony Parts has been a reputable shop for 30+ years. We used to order parts from them for the shop I worked at in high school.
These days if you actually want parts, you go to who has them.
If you look through the forums for the last couple years, even the specialist shops are selling problematic parts.
"All returns are subject to a 20% restocking fee." "There are no returns on special order items." NOT my type of return policy.
My advice is for future ref. Ferris will make it work so a moot point. I answered his only question about hood clearance and suggested dimension check. Ferris, I understand your frustration. Don't mean to be talking past you here.
The post seems to indicate the CJ Pony radiator DOES NOT FIT so that is where my thoughts on them come from. I would never find it necessary to buy from them anyway. Anyone can supply an off shore radiator. Free ship, free returns.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
I share your pain Ferris… there were a lot of “designed” to fit parts that needed heavy massaging on my latest build. Parts quality from most companies is really a hit/ miss scenario these days.
