Help with radiator mounting

tabester · #1 (**permalink**) 01-11-2003, 04:34 PM

Got my Griffin Aluminum Radiator in today. Started to mount it into my CR. Time for expletive. The picture in the assembly manual looks nothing like the actual mount. Can anyone show me how they have adapted the sides and what has happened to the bottom of the support.
Kirk

dscott · #2 (**permalink**) 01-12-2003, 11:22 AM

Kirk, The newer cars don't use the lower portion of the radiator hoop. You can cut it off right below the mounting points. The radiator will sit on the forward facing frame members. I make 2 u-shaped brackets for the radiator to sit on out of flat aluminum. I put strips of foam tape on them so the radiator won't cut into the aluminum. The top brackets you have now (if you have them) won't work since the Griffin is thicker, the mounts were also designed to mount on the tanks at each end. You will need to run a flat piece of steel between the 2 mounting points on the radiator hoop. Using the old brackets as a model use some flat aluminum and bend it in your vise to attach the radiator to the flat bar. I mount the uppers and the lowers so they fit in the channel at the top and bottom of the radiator. It sounds more confusing than it is. Here is a picture of the radiator mounted. Not very close-up but you should be able to see what I mean.
Don

petek · #3 (**permalink**) 01-12-2003, 06:10 PM

Don,

What's that red-orange car in the upper left of the picture?

Jack21 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-12-2003, 08:50 PM

As usual, I did it the hard way, but CR Griffin rad has been in place 16 months, and 12,000+ miles with absolutely no problems.

The rad must be mounted to the CR frame, and the fan must be mounted to the rad. The rad/fan assembly installs as a unit.

CR should have supplied, rad, rad frame to support rad top, and hood, upper and lower brackets, rubber insulating material.

Lower brackets. With rad sitting vertical on frame, mark location of lower brackets. Countersink brackets for 1/4-20 countersink stainless screws, 2 per bracket. Drill and tap 1/4-20 threaded holes in frame.

As supplied, rad will chew through rubber lower mounts and damage rad.

Go to hardware store and get a couple of aluminum or steel shelf brackets, the bracket that mounts to the wall for mounting wall mount shelving. While you're there, get some PC-7, or PC-11, 2 part epoxy.

Cut 2 pieces of the shelf bracket to fit inside bottom of rad to mount flat side down. Install such that installed bracket matches rad mount in frame. Epoxy in place. This will spread rad load on rubber piece, and not chew through bottom of rad. Cut two more pieces for top of rad mounts and epoxy in place.

I used a Scotts 16" fan and used their fan mounting bracket which installed on the top and bottom of the rad. Your fan may mount on the top/bottom, or sides. Use the shelving bracket to hold the fan mount in place. Epoxy the shelving bracket pieces to the rad to mount the fan to. Self tapping screws make the job a little easier. Fawcet bushings under the screws add some vibration resistance.

Hopefully, your fan mount is adjustable. Too low, and the steering rack will interfere. Too high, and the hood bracket will interfere. It's tight, and some clearancing may be necessary.

Upper brackets. I had to use a washer stack, and longer bolts to mount the upper brackets. But it all fits, and all works, although it may take two of you to install. One into the grille opening, and one tightening down on the bolts.

A hassle? Yes. But it cools your engine superbly. Cobras are notorious for overheating. The Griffin, and a good fan make overheating a thing of the past. Can use a 180 thermostat year round.

dscott · #5 (**permalink**) 01-13-2003, 08:29 AM

Pete, It's a Puma. I bought it a few years ago. It was made in Brazil and shipped to the states minus the chassis and engine. It uses VW. It's a 2 seater convert and fun to drive. I bought it for the wife but she didn't like the 4 speed so it's been sitting for a few years. It's 22 years old and looks pretty good for it's age. By the way it is for sale!

petek · #6 (**permalink**) 01-13-2003, 09:51 AM

Pumas were pretty good cars (if I remember correctly). VW pan and engine, light weight, great fit and finish. Sure does look nice!

Art Burtt · #7 (**permalink**) 01-13-2003, 02:41 PM

I used the mounts CR sent.Cot the mounting bar,I used a
reciperating saw. Then wrap upper and lower mounts with heavy
pieces of rubber and bolt to frame bottom.Put upper brackets
over radiator and bolt to upper frame. works a looks good.