Radiator falling off

steven566 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 01:16 PM

I washed the car yesterday and noticed that my radiator is falling off. The aluminum shroud that holds it on is ripping in the lower drivers side corner.

It there anything that can be done about this?

I was thinking that I could get a piece of aluminum box tubing welded up and then bolt it to the diagonal bars that the radiator shroud is riveted to.

Otherwise, it looks like a lot of work to get a new shroud put in.

Any thoughts?

As soon as I figure out how to post a picture, I will.

Thanks,

Steve

davids · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 03:16 PM

I'd take it right to radiator shop Steve..Let them handle it...THe guys on here know of a few shops to recommend to you.... Dave

steven566 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 04:24 PM

I'm not sure that a Radiator guy is going to know what to do about this. There's nothing wrong with the radiator, it's the FFR parts that are failing. I think it will either need custom parts, or the FFR parts will need to be replaced and re-riveted.

I am certainly open to talking to a radiator guy though.

Does anyone have recommendations?

Does anyone have any of these parts from an MK1?

I will shrink the pictures and get them posted when I get home tonight.

Steve

mikiec · #4 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 04:27 PM

Steve,

Gordon makes a bolt-in lower brace.

Mike

puppster · #5 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 04:48 PM

My dad has a Mk I FFR, and he just had the radiator repaired for corosion problems. It will need to be replaced, but he was told to check for electrolysis before putting in a brand new radiator. I'm wondering if there is a problem with the FFR mounting method for there rad. If anyone has had any trouble with electolysis, I would love to know what the cause was. I wonder if any mounting modifications might cause a problem.

mikiec · #6 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 04:56 PM

The radiator of the FFR MKI is supported on the bottom by the nose aluminum. Some do not like this arraingement. Many FFR vendors out there supply a lower Radiatior kit to support the radiator and make it more stable. Gordon Levy has such a kit.

I've had no problem with the FFR mounting. My MKI is almost 7 years old and no problems. I just replaced the radiator last year after getting a hole in it. The mounting was still very firm.

Mike

steven566 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 04:59 PM

Mine looks more like it's being shaken to shreds. It's only held on at the bottom with a few rivets to some flimsy aluminum sheet.

I will talk to Gordon about the issue. I need to get out there to see that green cobra he's selling, anyway.

Steve