The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1939 Radiator Frame

Taking apart my 39 chevy and was surprised (not really) to discover that the radiator support frame was not attached to the frame cross member at the bottom. It was just held in place by the fenders and support rod. I see the two bolt holes at the bottom but would like to know how it was supposed to go together. I assume that there were two bolts and a rubber pad. Is this correct? If it is like my old Ford, the bolts would be long and there would be a couple of springs on the bottom to allow flexing. Bolts,pad,springs? All of the above or none? Approximately how thick should I make the pad? About the thickness of an old tire sidewall?

Thanks,

I would say the pad is 1/8" or so. You can shim more there if it makes the front sheetmetal fit any better. The bolts are just (2) carriage bolts that drop in from the top. If I remember right, there's usually a small rectangular steel plate on the bottom with a couple tabs you can bend over to lock the nuts in place. I don't remember springs being used here, only on the cab.

My 46 had springs on the bottom side along with a cobble job plate on the top with bolts welded to it. By the looks of it tho, the truck had a front end crash as the rad support rod to the cab had been re-welded on one side.

Decisions, decisions! Thanks guys. I appreciate the help. It could be there is no “correct” way of doing this. Could be that trucks were assembled differently truck to truck and factory to factory. I’m frustrated by the lack of good printed information. I find the 39 shop manual not nearly as helpful as I would like. Is there any other printed material besides the shop manual that is available and helpful? Guess this lack of info is what makes this site and other bolters so important. Again, a big thanks! Barry, if your not real careful, you may end up getting my 39 on the road.