Radiator Shroud for my 1961

[Northwest Outlaw]

Since it's near impossible to find a shroud for the 1960-61 years, i decided it would be just as easy to make one. The design i came up with is simple but hopefully effective. At least it should be good return on the $50 it's cost in materials!

My setup is a 1961 Apache10, small block 350 with original mechanical fan, Champion Radiators 3 core aluminum bolt-in replacement radiator.

Materials:
-14" Galvanized Steel Flashing (27 gauge), 25' roll is $42 at Home Depot
-Rivets, $5 for 75 at local hardware
-Sheet metal screws, $2 bag at local hardware
-tin snips
-tape measure
-sharpie





Instructions:
-double/triple check all measurements for rad, fan diameter and fan distance
-draw out template onto flattened flashing
-cut out template
-fold over edges for rigidity and smooth edges
-fold templates to shape
-rivet part 1 (face) to part 2 (sides) for Driver Side and Passenger Side
-fit into place and locate radiator mounting hole locations, drill holes to match
-with both Driver and Passenger Sides in place and mounted, use sheet metal screws through the overlaps at top and bottom to secure

I've got halfway through and should finish up the other half this evening.

[LostMy65]

Great job.
Before I found an original one, I thought about making one out of a 55 gallon drum.

[Northwest Outlaw]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Great job.
Before I found an original one, I thought about making one out of a 55 gallon drum.

That thought definitely crossed my mind too. Turns out the trash can in my garage is 19" in diameter, the perfect template! Also it was a little tempting to just cut that up and use it...

[Northwest Outlaw]

Finished this evening and i'm very pleased with how it turned out. I tried to get some detail shots of the edges where i folded the metal for strength and smooth edges.
Fan has about 1/2" clearance all around and sits about halfway into the shroud.

[The Rocknrod]

Very nice job.