4 core rad mounting pads

[chewychevy67]

I got some new aftermarket rubber pads for my rad. The rad will not sit all the way down. It's like a solid 1/2 inch high. All the rest of my parts are original to the truck. Is this common with aftermarket rubber pads here? If I find original or nos ones will this correct my issue. Thanks in advance, Rod.

[72SB]

Try one of the C10 parts vendors like LMC for original repop type

I put a wider radiator into another car and just cut the stock rubber ones to work.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by chewychevy67

I got some new aftermarket rubber pads for my rad. The rad will not sit all the way down. It's like a solid 1/2 inch high. All the rest of my parts are original to the truck. Is this common with aftermarket rubber pads here? If I find original or nos ones will this correct my issue. Thanks in advance, Rod.

Four core here, radiator matches the original. Mine is a BBC.

Assuming the radiator and core support are right, then an OEM shroud doesn't lie. Sure you can ream out its screw holes a little bit, but that's it.

So if I get your meaning, besides the radiator, your upper brackets are no where near the shroud's screw holes, perhaps off by 3/16th-ish?

The factory never installed my radiator right from start, evidenced by their installation of the top and bottom brackets. My original brackets, NOS and replacements are wrong out of the gate. Just as well buy replacements. You got to put the top brackets in a vice, with their claw supported by a 2x4 so it doesn't bust. Bend the bracket's top rear more flat, no further than it can't give anymore without unfavorable distortion. Start slow of course until it works. The image demonstrates the difference, new vs modified to fit.

You have an additional option to shave the rubber cushions. Just my opinion what works.

[chewychevy67]

All my parts are original (rad re-cored) and the only thing new is the rubber pads top and bottom. I tossed my original pads way back in 08 when I bought it. That was dumb. So the top clamps just don't suck down on the rad like they should have originally. It makes the top clamps look like they are high in the engine side. The shroud top bolts won't line up as well as the clamp brackets need to be lower.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by chewychevy67

All my parts are original (rad re-cored) and the only thing new is the rubber pads top and bottom. I tossed my original pads way back in 08 when I bought it. That was dumb. So the top clamps just don't suck down on the rad like they should have originally. It makes the top clamps look like they are high in the engine side. The shroud top bolts won't line up as well as the clamp brackets need to be lower.

Be sure to check your lower brackets, they must seat flush and if they don't modify the core support, like the factory was supposed to - On Wednesday's anyway.

If I remember right, there's no difference OEM rubber and replacements. But perhaps yours were shaved. If all else is equal it's the cushions. Just stiff perhaps. Option to heat em up some, see if that helps. If not, I sanded some of mine at some point. It's seen more than a few pads.

[chewychevy67]

Yeah it's all in there properly so I may have to look into sanding then down slightly on the top and bottoms. I don't throw anything away these days but I sure wishi had just kept the originals.

[Dashman]

I have my originals, and an aftermarket pair that I can send you some measurements on. I had trouble fitting either to an aluminum radiator until I customized the aluminum radiator. To me it looks like you can press the support down onto the radiator first, then try to install the bolts. Can the radiator tilt forwards? ...nothings impeding that?

[RustyPile]

Just looking at the pictures, either the radiator isn't fully seated in the lower supports, or it's too tall for your application. When I installed a four core radiator in my '7, I had to change both upper and lower mounting pads.

[chewychevy67]

I found this picture Ina thread. Just as I suspected. These are lmc pads vs originals just like I have. I haven't ordered anything from lmc in over 8 years and never will again.

[jaros44sr]

Thanks for solving my problem, now I have to search for the correct ones

Any ideas where to find them?

[Dashman]

That makes sense that the pads were too thick, and causing bad fitment. I would suggest taking care of your issue yourself because you might be wasting time waiting for any other companies to send you the same bad batch of pads from China. I would clamp them in a drill press clamp, and cut the back side down until you have your desired thickness. You could use a wood router or any other cutting tool that suits you. Then you just have to round out the ends to fit the bracket.

[HO455]

4 or 5 years ago I got a new set from my local Chevrolet dealer. Might still be available.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by chewychevy67

I found this picture Ina thread. Just as I suspected. These are lmc pads vs originals just like I have. I haven't ordered anything from lmc in over 8 years and never will again.

Wow that seems to be quite a difference. The old ones were probably never that thick.

The OEM pads are 3901449, replaced by 15502586