Changing radiator support

[repeeler]

I am in the middle of installing an Old Air system in my 71. When I took all the parts off to do this I noticed the inner fender and radiator support is totally rooted out right under the battery. I decided that I would change these out while I have all the A/C plumping, grill and radiator out already. My question; I noticed that the support has body type mounts on the bottom. Are there special precautions I need to take while swapping this part out? I assume I will have to support the fenders in the front in some way. Any advise to make this go smoothly will be appreciated.

[gkesseru]

If your hood is off, it won't hurt to have your fenders unsupported in the front. The fenders are pretty strong. When putting it back together, put the support back on the frame but don't tighten the support mount bolts until the fenders and inner fenders have been bolted to the support.

[repeeler]

Originally Posted by gkesseru

If your hood is off, it won't hurt to have your fenders unsupported in the front. The fenders are pretty strong. When putting it back together, put the support back on the frame but don't tighten the support mount bolts until the fenders and inner fenders have been bolted to the support.

I was hoping to keep the hood on. Really do not want to take it off unless I need to.

[swamp rat]

I'm in the process of changing out my cab and radiator mounts, almost ready to do my first lift soon.. Long story..

My radiator mounts were totally rotted and missing chunks to the point you could see the sleeve inside.. Anyway my plan is to use some 2X6X14" boards for a base to sit a bottle jack on and then with a 2X4X14" in length for against the bottom of the radiator support, jack up on the center or just off center of the radiator support between the frame rails.

I plan to raise one side of my cab and the radiator support at the same time as i understand you don't have to raise them that far.. I did take my hood off but it may be possible if you have 2 or 3 jacks working together, i cant say for sure..

[gkesseru]

To get the rad support out you need to spread the front ends of the fender wide. If the hood is still on, then it will hold the fenders together. It's not that big a deal to remove the front fenders, but the hood should be off first. You could prop up the hood and remove one fender, but make sure the hood wont' fall.