Radiator Support... a lil rust... what to do? (pics) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

75stepside · 01-19-2003, 10:23 PM

well fellahs, i'm working on my radiator support now... and there's a soft side on the right... what should i do to correct it? should i cut it out and weld? or reinforce? or that swear word, body filler?

75stepside · 01-19-2003, 10:24 PM

*1FaastC10* · 01-19-2003, 11:10 PM

POR makes a product used for patching weak floor pans, with holes just like you have there. i believe they call it POR Patch. i think that shoudl work nicely for you.

**swervin ervin** · 01-19-2003, 11:15 PM

I think I would hunt for a core support that didn't have any rust. Especially since the rest of the truck is so damn nice. I would hate to see you start patching now.

Bowed · 01-19-2003, 11:19 PM

Good replacements are easy to find and cheap to buy . It will be much easier for you in the long run to just replace it with a solid one . Good luck .

low 84 · 01-19-2003, 11:55 PM

i wasn't gonna say nothin at first b/c it looks like you've put some work into cleaning that one up, but i agree. you can find a solid one i a yard for next to nothing.

bill_ont_canada · 01-20-2003, 01:31 AM

Mine was bad too and I found one in mint condition at a wreckers yard for $35 here in Ontario Canada,
(where everything is rusty from the Salt crap on the roads).

I'm sure you can find a good one in the US somewhere close by.

I am following your restoration on your website and you are doing an excellent job... Don't settle for seccond best at this point in the project.

Just my opinion... & my 2cents worth.

CustomChevy · 01-20-2003, 01:38 AM

You don't have much rust there, just cut out a section and put in some 18 ga sheet. cut to fit and weld in.

shouldn't take much time to do it.
That is a very common area for rust because water does not drain for crap there.

I would advise drilling some uniform holes to help with drainage. that and some real good primer/sealer and paint.

good luck!

*mike reeh* · 01-20-2003, 02:49 AM

definately get a new (to you) one!

79BIG10 · 01-20-2003, 04:43 AM

No sense in wasting money on patching it since it may fail later still. Buy a good used one and prep it to prevent this from happening again.

*1FaastC10* · 01-21-2003, 05:50 PM

Brandon, if he uses the POR products, like i suggested, it will not rust any father. remember, POR cures in the prescence of moisture... it draws all of the moisture out of the rust, and stops it dead in its tracks.

79Silv4x4 · 01-21-2003, 06:32 PM

Get a new one--that truck's too nice to cut corners there.

LOHRTBT · 01-21-2003, 07:02 PM

The POR15 would be great but like Mike and others said...just get you a new one and you will have one less thing to worry about down the road..and you will know its right when you install it. IF you want you could always just coat the new one with POR 15 to protect it from this ever happening again.

79BIG10 · 01-22-2003, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 1FaastC10
Brandon, if he uses the POR products, like i suggested, it will not rust any father. remember, POR cures in the prescence of moisture... it draws all of the moisture out of the rust, and stops it dead in its tracks.

Right Jeremy but I was thinking that it's already been structurally damaged in that the right side is shot through with holes and not as strong. I would replace it then coat with POR-15 to keep from happening again.

Bitter Beard · 01-22-2003, 07:40 AM

All the work you are putting into your truck, I also say ditch the rusted piece and get something new.

{edit} ack! Read your title wrong, thought it was your radiator itself. Still say get a new support.

75stepside · 01-24-2003, 06:56 PM

okay guys... i value your opinions highly... but, i really didn't want to replace the unit... but enough of ya'll said "go find one!" so, i went out today, in the PA 10* weather and went yard hoping for one... i looked at probably 15 unhappy trucks... and they were all 10x worse than mine... i called a couple more yards and the same story... so, any suggestions on a good fix, or a location of a good radiator support?

a thanks in advance!!

**swervin ervin** · 01-24-2003, 08:54 PM

LMC has them, but they ain't cheap. Last catalog I've got which is the 2002 Winter edition says the 73-80's are #119.95.

Cheyenne Pickup has them for $179.95. I'm thinking these will be better than the ones LMC sells.

Just some ideas of places you could get one if you so desire.

*1FaastC10* · 01-25-2003, 12:32 AM

POR Patch will make it just as strong as original.

ElGracho · 01-25-2003, 12:48 AM

Those are dime a dozen rust free here in the Northwest (believe me, I'm counting my blessings!!!) Anyhow, It would be expensive to ship, but if you want I could get you a good one...

ElGracho · 01-25-2003, 12:48 AM

Oh yeah, it was like 55 here today too. (Rub rub)

CustomChevy · 01-25-2003, 11:02 AM

I know I already said it, but I'll say it again,

You don't have that much rust there, just cut out a section and put in some 18 ga sheet. cut to fit and weld in. This will fix any strength problems, plus it doesn't cost anything to get a little sheet metal.

That is a very common area for rust because water does not drain for crap there.

I would advise drilling some uniform holes to help with drainage. that and some real good primer/sealer and paint as advised in several of the above posts.

good luck!

01-19-2003, 10:24 PM	#2
75stepside Proud Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 741	Attached Images

01-19-2003, 11:15 PM	#4
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	I think I would hunt for a core support that didn't have any rust. Especially since the rest of the truck is so damn nice. I would hate to see you start patching now. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

01-19-2003, 11:55 PM	#6
low 84 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,144	i wasn't gonna say nothin at first b/c it looks like you've put some work into cleaning that one up, but i agree. you can find a solid one i a yard for next to nothing. __________________ '51 F100, backhalf with a narrowed 9 and coil overs, 18.5" mickeys, monte front clip, +400" sbc in the works '05 1500 Crew Cab RIP '84 swb 5/7 drop, solid cammed 408 w/ fully ported dart heads, th350 w/ 10 inch hughes, 12 bolt w/ 3.73 richmonds and a locker '80 swb 4x4 in progress: 7" lift, 350 th350/np205, d44 and 1.5" ORD tie rod, 14BFF w/discs , armored diff covers, 40" MTR's

01-20-2003, 01:31 AM	#7
bill_ont_canada Nobody is perfect... Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: London,Ont,Canada Posts: 200	Mine was bad too and I found one in mint condition at a wreckers yard for $35 here in Ontario Canada, (where everything is rusty from the Salt crap on the roads). I'm sure you can find a good one in the US somewhere close by. I am following your restoration on your website and you are doing an excellent job... Don't settle for seccond best at this point in the project. Just my opinion... & my 2cents worth. __________________ Have a fabulous day. Bill... (ö¿ö) " Loud Pipes Save Lives "

01-20-2003, 04:43 AM	#10
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	No sense in wasting money on patching it since it may fail later still. Buy a good used one and prep it to prevent this from happening again. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

01-19-2003, 10:23 PM	#1
75stepside Proud Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 741	Radiator Support... a lil rust... what to do? (pics) well fellahs, i'm working on my radiator support now... and there's a soft side on the right... what should i do to correct it? should i cut it out and weld? or reinforce? or that swear word, body filler? Attached Images

01-19-2003, 11:10 PM	#3
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	POR makes a product used for patching weak floor pans, with holes just like you have there. i believe they call it POR Patch. i think that shoudl work nicely for you.

01-19-2003, 11:19 PM	#5
Bowed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: where it's hot Posts: 1,059	Good replacements are easy to find and cheap to buy . It will be much easier for you in the long run to just replace it with a solid one . Good luck .

01-20-2003, 01:38 AM	#8
CustomChevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 461	You don't have much rust there, just cut out a section and put in some 18 ga sheet. cut to fit and weld in. shouldn't take much time to do it. That is a very common area for rust because water does not drain for crap there. I would advise drilling some uniform holes to help with drainage. that and some real good primer/sealer and paint. good luck!

01-20-2003, 02:49 AM	#9
mike reeh 5 day ban, learn to behave. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: san diego, ca Posts: 683	definately get a new (to you) one!

01-21-2003, 05:50 PM	#11
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	Brandon, if he uses the POR products, like i suggested, it will not rust any father. remember, POR cures in the prescence of moisture... it draws all of the moisture out of the rust, and stops it dead in its tracks.

01-21-2003, 06:32 PM	#12
79Silv4x4 Workaholic Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Katy, TX Posts: 1,589	Get a new one--that truck's too nice to cut corners there. __________________ 1979 K-10 Silverado (work in progress) 1991 V1500 Subruban 1999 Suburban LT 4x4 2006 Suburban LTZ (daily driver)

01-21-2003, 07:02 PM	#13
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	The POR15 would be great but like Mike and others said...just get you a new one and you will have one less thing to worry about down the road..and you will know its right when you install it. IF you want you could always just coat the new one with POR 15 to protect it from this ever happening again. __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

01-22-2003, 07:40 AM	#15
Bitter Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: AZ Posts: 27	All the work you are putting into your truck, I also say ditch the rusted piece and get something new. {edit} ack! Read your title wrong, thought it was your radiator itself. Still say get a new support. Last edited by Bitter Beard; 01-22-2003 at 07:44 AM.

01-24-2003, 06:56 PM	#16
75stepside Proud Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 741	okay guys... i value your opinions highly... but, i really didn't want to replace the unit... but enough of ya'll said "go find one!" so, i went out today, in the PA 10* weather and went yard hoping for one... i looked at probably 15 unhappy trucks... and they were all 10x worse than mine... i called a couple more yards and the same story... so, any suggestions on a good fix, or a location of a good radiator support? a thanks in advance!!



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01-24-2003, 08:54 PM	#17
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	LMC has them, but they ain't cheap. Last catalog I've got which is the 2002 Winter edition says the 73-80's are #119.95. Cheyenne Pickup has them for $179.95. I'm thinking these will be better than the ones LMC sells. Just some ideas of places you could get one if you so desire.

01-25-2003, 12:32 AM	#18
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	POR Patch will make it just as strong as original.

01-25-2003, 12:48 AM	#19
ElGracho Gentleman Jim Driver Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 1,553	Those are dime a dozen rust free here in the Northwest (believe me, I'm counting my blessings!!!) Anyhow, It would be expensive to ship, but if you want I could get you a good one... __________________ Joe '75 GMC Gentleman Jim '84 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super duper plain (manual steering, manual brakes, no dome light, no cig lighter) '85 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super plain Vortec 4.8 4L60E trans also: '81 K30, '83 C30 Crew Dually, '84 M1028 CUCV, '85 M1009 CUCV, another '85 C10 SWB, '89 R3500 Flatbed

01-25-2003, 11:02 AM	#21
CustomChevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 461	patch/weld I know I already said it, but I'll say it again, You don't have that much rust there, just cut out a section and put in some 18 ga sheet. cut to fit and weld in. This will fix any strength problems, plus it doesn't cost anything to get a little sheet metal. That is a very common area for rust because water does not drain for crap there. I would advise drilling some uniform holes to help with drainage. that and some real good primer/sealer and paint as advised in several of the above posts. good luck!

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