Electric fan-- how did you attach it? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ERASER5 · 07-31-2008, 04:00 PM

I am planning to install an electric fan. Planning is the key word.

I am going with a Lincoln single or a Taurus twin fan. Both cover the radiator fairly well, but I am not sure how I am going to attach it. Any suggestions? Or better yet, pictures?

70GMCer · 07-31-2008, 04:57 PM

Keep in mind that those Ford fans draw a lot of amps. Make sure your alternator can handle it.

RM72chevy · 07-31-2008, 05:40 PM

I had installed a twin fan off a nissian out of the bone yard (Pull-a-Part) and installed in my 72. I think it cost me 15.00 - 20.00

I had no intentions of doing the swap at that time but a buddy of mine pulled the rad out of it for his ride so I nabbed it anyway. I got lucky and it lined right up with no modifications but I went ahead and trimmed the lip off the fan assembly using a dremmel tool to get closer to the rad with ample clearance. I used long zip ties to fasten the top and bottom threw the vents to test run and verify it will be sufficient. I planed on redoing the attachments by using inserts you can pickup from your local auto parts store. Not sure what they call them or the price. That was 2 years ago and I'm still running zip ties and no problems but I would highly recommend using the aftermarket fasteners after you are sure you have proper cooling.

Andy4639 · 07-31-2008, 09:40 PM

Once you have it in place go to Lowes or Home Depoe and buy the metal braceing stuff they have cut into small 3' sections and make a frame mount for it and hard mount it.

**SactoJim** · 07-31-2008, 11:23 PM

Aluminum shroud is pretty easy to build.....these are twin fans from a Merc Sable. I have a 100 amp alt and there are no probs at all.

Andy4639 · 08-01-2008, 12:31 AM

SactoJim,
that is a very nice setup you have there. I like that!!!

ERASER5 · 08-01-2008, 03:46 AM

No, my alt will not handle it at all. But that is part of the "planning."

Alt-- plan-- CS 100+amp
-- adapter wire with resistor
Control --plan-- O'Rilley fan control maybe
-- toggle ?
-- idiot light for fan?
Fan-- Lincoln or Taurus-- have --Yes they do indeed pull the amps. They also really move the air!

Mounting--plan-- ?? SactoJim's look really nice. Does the sheet metal just slide into the factory clips at the bottom? Where is the top attached?

70GMCer · 08-01-2008, 07:04 AM

100 amp will do it

VanceH · 08-01-2008, 12:53 PM

Sacto, do you have any pics of the shroud before you installed!! that is great, i would like to take some pics to my metal guy and have him recreate that for me.

Thanks
vance

piecesparts · 08-01-2008, 01:39 PM

The 100 amp will cover it, UNTIL you are in the city, at a stop light, with the stereo on, the headlights on, and the fans kick themselves on. Now is when you are going to find out if you have the alternator to handle your load.

The reason, I gave you this scenario, is because a standard 100 amp alternator will deliver about 30 to 35 amps at idle on an engine and at a stoplight the tranny engaged (auto tranny) the idle speed will be around 600 RPMs. If you have a stereo system that has any amps, then the load is higher and if you choose to run the A/C, that adds another 25 amps to the load. If you have dual fans and they both start at the same time, there is a significant load change at one time. Now you might see the picture I am trying to paint.

Look at a company called Tuff Stuff for alternators that carry around 80 amps at the idle speed and do the upgrade to a 140 amp alternator and never ever worry again. I have purchased a couple from them directly and they are a good company to deal with.

**jaros44sr** · 08-01-2008, 04:36 PM

Anyone know what cfm's these fans are pulling. I would use a 8gauge wire to feed the fans and have a relay that would handle that load, plus a controller

Nice shroud SactoJim

RM72chevy · 08-01-2008, 04:39 PM

Nice shroud!

OhioDan · 08-01-2008, 04:52 PM

I made the shroud and mounted it to the lower portion of the rad support. There's two holes down there that with some shims(washers) worked pretty good. As for the top, I purchased a top cover on ebay and mounted the shroud to it. One of my customers who's forklifts I repair, makes foam sheeting. Sticky on one side. Used it to fill the gaps. Bought the thermostat and fans on ebay also. Don't have cfm specs with me, they're out in the garage. Looks good so far. Can't wait to finish the truck to see what I'll have to change/improve. Here's a couple of pics. Hope this helps?

**SactoJim** · 08-02-2008, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanceH

Sacto, do you have any pics of the shroud before you installed!! that is great, i would like to take some pics to my metal guy and have him recreate that for me.

Thanks
vance

Vance.....I actually drew it up in CAD and have the drawing at work....send me an PM (to remind me) and I'll post the drawing Monday.

I have a Spal controller on mine that ramps up the 1st fan as temp increases and then at a predetermined temp the other fan kicks on high. I've got quite a bit of miles in stop and go traffic with everthing on including my sound system and haven't had any problems. I completely rewired the entire truck during restoration and that may help some in comparison to a 35 year old wiring harness......but it's not a bad idea to get as high amp alternator as you can.

piecesparts · 08-02-2008, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SactoJim

Vance.....I actually drew it up in CAD and have the drawing at work....send me an PM (to remind me) and I'll post the drawing Monday.

I have a Spal controller on mine that ramps up the 1st fan as temp increases and then at a predetermined temp the other fan kicks on high. I've got quite a bit of miles in stop and go traffic with everthing on including my sound system and haven't had any problems. I completely rewired the entire truck during restoration and that may help some in comparison to a 35 year old wiring harness......but it's not a bad idea to get as high amp alternator as you can.

That is what I am using in my DD as a fan controller and I have another controller sitting on the bench for the 84 showtruck. I use it with dual SPAL 11" fans.

**jaros44sr** · 08-02-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piecesparts

That is what I am using in my DD as a fan controller and I have another controller sitting on the bench for the 84 showtruck. I use it with dual SPAL 11" fans.

Any info on obtaining parts...controller, relays?

BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 · 08-02-2008, 10:27 AM

Wasn't there someone on here that used a fan from a Jeep and it fit in the stock 67-72 fan shroud, with little modification??

Arad68 · 08-02-2008, 05:51 PM

Here is a link to that fan.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=254617

piecesparts · 08-03-2008, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Any info on obtaining parts...controller, relays?

I have purchased 3 Spal fan sets inthe last few years. the first was from "Be Cool" radiators. Iran into their guys on theHot Rod Power Tour and they set me up with a radiator and fan set for my 84 stroker truck motor. They gave me the fans if I purchased their radiator. The other two sets I purchased through Summit Racing under the "Be Cool" name in their catalog.

The fan controllers that I am using and also going to install is the SPAL PWM fan controller and then IT is backed up by the extra relay set that SPAL sell for the second fan. I got mine through Summit racing under the "Be Cool" name, also. These fan controllers and relays are also on the internet under E-bay and other outlets.

**jaros44sr** · 08-03-2008, 07:16 AM

Thanks for the help

07-31-2008, 04:00 PM	#1
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Electric fan-- how did you attach it? I am planning to install an electric fan. Planning is the key word. I am going with a Lincoln single or a Taurus twin fan. Both cover the radiator fairly well, but I am not sure how I am going to attach it. Any suggestions? Or better yet, pictures? __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

07-31-2008, 04:57 PM	#2
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? Keep in mind that those Ford fans draw a lot of amps. Make sure your alternator can handle it. __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

07-31-2008, 05:40 PM	#3
RM72chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nashville Posts: 62	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? I had installed a twin fan off a nissian out of the bone yard (Pull-a-Part) and installed in my 72. I think it cost me 15.00 - 20.00 I had no intentions of doing the swap at that time but a buddy of mine pulled the rad out of it for his ride so I nabbed it anyway. I got lucky and it lined right up with no modifications but I went ahead and trimmed the lip off the fan assembly using a dremmel tool to get closer to the rad with ample clearance. I used long zip ties to fasten the top and bottom threw the vents to test run and verify it will be sufficient. I planed on redoing the attachments by using inserts you can pickup from your local auto parts store. Not sure what they call them or the price. That was 2 years ago and I'm still running zip ties and no problems but I would highly recommend using the aftermarket fasteners after you are sure you have proper cooling.

07-31-2008, 09:40 PM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? Once you have it in place go to Lowes or Home Depoe and buy the metal braceing stuff they have cut into small 3' sections and make a frame mount for it and hard mount it. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

07-31-2008, 11:23 PM	#5
SactoJim Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,970	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? Aluminum shroud is pretty easy to build.....these are twin fans from a Merc Sable. I have a 100 amp alt and there are no probs at all. Attached Images __________________ 72 Cheyenne SWB Fleet Nut & bolt frame off in progress...99.9999% - supercharged 383 - 4 wheel discs - relocated fuel tank - My Build Thread

08-01-2008, 12:31 AM	#6
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? SactoJim, that is a very nice setup you have there. I like that!!! __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

08-01-2008, 03:46 AM	#7
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? No, my alt will not handle it at all. But that is part of the "planning." Alt-- plan-- CS 100+amp -- adapter wire with resistor Control --plan-- O'Rilley fan control maybe -- toggle ? -- idiot light for fan? Fan-- Lincoln or Taurus-- have --Yes they do indeed pull the amps. They also really move the air! Mounting--plan-- ?? SactoJim's look really nice. Does the sheet metal just slide into the factory clips at the bottom? Where is the top attached? __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

08-01-2008, 07:04 AM	#8
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? 100 amp will do it __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

08-01-2008, 12:53 PM	#9
VanceH Loving the Jimmster Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Emmett, idaho Posts: 575	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? Sacto, do you have any pics of the shroud before you installed!! that is great, i would like to take some pics to my metal guy and have him recreate that for me. Thanks vance

08-01-2008, 01:39 PM	#10
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? The 100 amp will cover it, UNTIL you are in the city, at a stop light, with the stereo on, the headlights on, and the fans kick themselves on. Now is when you are going to find out if you have the alternator to handle your load. The reason, I gave you this scenario, is because a standard 100 amp alternator will deliver about 30 to 35 amps at idle on an engine and at a stoplight the tranny engaged (auto tranny) the idle speed will be around 600 RPMs. If you have a stereo system that has any amps, then the load is higher and if you choose to run the A/C, that adds another 25 amps to the load. If you have dual fans and they both start at the same time, there is a significant load change at one time. Now you might see the picture I am trying to paint. Look at a company called Tuff Stuff for alternators that carry around 80 amps at the idle speed and do the upgrade to a 140 amp alternator and never ever worry again. I have purchased a couple from them directly and they are a good company to deal with.

08-01-2008, 04:36 PM	#11
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,761	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? Anyone know what cfm's these fans are pulling. I would use a 8gauge wire to feed the fans and have a relay that would handle that load, plus a controller Nice shroud SactoJim __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim Last edited by jaros44sr; 08-01-2008 at 04:37 PM.

08-01-2008, 04:39 PM	#12
RM72chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nashville Posts: 62	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? Nice shroud!

08-01-2008, 04:52 PM	#13
OhioDan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA Posts: 1,404	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? I made the shroud and mounted it to the lower portion of the rad support. There's two holes down there that with some shims(washers) worked pretty good. As for the top, I purchased a top cover on ebay and mounted the shroud to it. One of my customers who's forklifts I repair, makes foam sheeting. Sticky on one side. Used it to fill the gaps. Bought the thermostat and fans on ebay also. Don't have cfm specs with me, they're out in the garage. Looks good so far. Can't wait to finish the truck to see what I'll have to change/improve. Here's a couple of pics. Hope this helps? Attached Images __________________ LIFE AIN'T EASY WHEN YER FAT AND GREASY! GMC= Got More Class! 1970 GMC LWB, Fleetside, 350/4spd, Flowmaster "40's", 2002 GMC 16" Rallies, cowl hood,and added a bunch of options that weren't there when I started.

08-02-2008, 10:27 AM	#17
BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 Firefighter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Yellville, Ar, USA Posts: 1,943	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? Wasn't there someone on here that used a fan from a Jeep and it fit in the stock 67-72 fan shroud, with little modification?? __________________ '72 Chevy SWB 350 Auto '67 GMC LWB 350 4 speed '70 Chevy 4x4 Stepside 350 Auto Yellville, Ar. USA

08-02-2008, 05:51 PM	#18
Arad68 Trucks N Tranzams Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: North Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 816	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? Here is a link to that fan. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=254617 __________________ Don '68 Chevy LB 383 TH400/GV/373 posi '56 Chevy 4WD SWB '64 Chevy short stepside '79 Trans Am 455/TH2004R/12blt/4whldisc 95 Kia (Wifes car) 2002 S-10 extended cab pickup "God punishes small sins immediately"



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08-03-2008, 07:16 AM	#20
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,761	Re: Electric fan-- how did you attach it? Thanks for the help __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

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