Do I need a new radiator core support?

[In The Ten Ring]

So, thanks to the guys on here, I learn that a box wrench can remove 12 flange bolts and I get the radiator out. THEN I see just how much rust my core support has....not so much that it's falling apart but there's a good bit there.

So a couple of questions:

1). Looking at the pics below, should I replace my radiator core support?

2). Is now an opportune time to replace the front inner fenders?

3). To replace the radiator core support-to-frame bushings, there doesn't appear to be bolt heads through the core support....is that how it's supposed to be? *Mine my be so rusted it's "welded" but I don't know.

Thanks!

The rusted-through things are the front of both inner fenders.


Driver side:



Passenger side:

[Sammy]

Look at the core support in my build thread. I just recently repaired mine. Pull your battery and look where the inner fender cup on the R/H outer side of your core support and the section of wheel tub overlaps usually that is worse than the left/drivers side by far. I think from the battery. From what little damage I see so far some major cleaning and repainting. Just depends on how deep you are wanting to get to stop the corrosion.
Core supports however can be saved just depends on your abilities and replacing them and finding decent replacement can be a issue. Good news is that replacement re pops are available but dunno the quality.

[Eddie H.]

I have fixed a lot worse than that. If it is just surface rust, grind it off and treat it rust sealer. ( I like KBS rustseal) If it is pretty deep, cut it out and weld in new metal.

[In The Ten Ring]

Thanks guys but there's actually 3 questions there. *Hint: look for the numbers.

[PanelDeland]

1. Look at the areas of the core support where the inner fenders bolt on.The pass side will be gone most likely.There is a patch panel for that but if the rest of the support is bad you can probably replace it easier.


2. Replacing the inner fenders can be done without removing the core support so can be done at any time.Get new bolts and J nuts since the old ones nearly always break when you remove them.


3. I haven't done them so I can't say.

[Eddie H.]

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

Thanks guys but there's actually 3 questions there. *Hint: look for the numbers.

Sorry, you are only allowed one question at a time.

The bolts come in from the top and go through the radiator support rubber mounts. Sometimes they are hard to see for the rust. The new rubber mount kits usually come with new bolts and nuts. (The original bolts have a round head on top.)

[In The Ten Ring]

Dang! I was afraid of that......so....I have a really rusted radiator core support then. I expected about as much.

I do have rust holes all the way through it on the driver's side........hmmm.....repo or original? I vote original. Now to find a non-rusty one.

ITTR