Silly Rad question

[bowtier]

I ordered a new radiator from summit for my '86. Well, the one I'm replacing is the 3 core (1 5/8"), and the new one is 4 core (2 5/8"). So I'm just wondering if I need different rad support brackets (the rubber pads) and new hold down brackets? I don't think I do, I'm pretty sure the "frame" of the rad's are the same width and the extra inch is just the core itself??

Thanks

[Pyrotechnic]

The tanks and mounting area are bigger on the 4 core radiator and they do require larger rubber pads, at least stock replacement radiators anyway.

[Slonaker]

My 2 and 3 row had the same size tanks. The four row required new hardware, or I would have gone from the 2 row to the 4 row. Again, this is on a stock replacement radiator.

Slonaker

[bowtier]

Thanks guys.

[Prerunner1982]

here is a picture of the top hold down. You will need 4 new rubbers.

[bowtier]

Ok, adding to my confusion somewhat. My hold down doesn't go all the way across. I have 2 seperate brackets at each end of the rad. I found the hold down you show on classic parts site. But I think it's just a cover, and not the actual hold down. The GM garage here in town said they could order the wider rubbers in. But I still don't know if my hold down brackets will work. I should have the rad. tonight so I can get it in and see how everything fits up. From looking at that picture, I'm worried I won't have room for my fan shroud. Did you leave yours out by choice, or did it not fit??

Thanks again.

[Captkaos]

If I remember correctly the 2/3 Row use the same brackets, the 4 uses a different set (speaking of factory only)

[N2TRUX]

Are you running a fan shroud? If so it's going to need trimmed....

[bowtier]

Are you running a fan shroud? If so it's going to need trimmed

That's what I was thinking. I fit it all up last night and my inlet/outlet are not the right size, the fan shroud didn't fit, and the brackets and rubbers are too small. I can't locate the right brackets or rubbers anywhere, even checked the chevy garage. How can this stuff not be available?? I might have found the rubbers in LMC, they only note *for heavy duty radiator, but they don't actually say how wide they are. I need them to be about 3 1/4" instead of the stock 2 1/8" ones. I'm going to give them a call today.

Anyone have any ideas on the wider brackets??

Thanks again, I honestly didn't think this would be so hard for me.

[N2TRUX]

You need brackets, etc for a big block equiped vehicle. That's how I got the ones I put in my 82 Blazer. I "think" I bought them from GM but that has been a few years ago.

The shroud worked, I just had to trim it a little to clear the clutch on the a/c compressor.

[bowtier]

Makes sense, thanks.