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View Full Version : a little work on the radiator support



lostforawhile
12-01-2010, 01:24 PM
since I'm wiring and the radiator is out, I decided to fill the extra holes in the upper support to make it look better. the factory ones, and the ones from my first attempt at a recovery tank.

steel plated welded on bottom of support
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/lostforawhile/S4021880.jpg


I needed to get rid of this gap between the top and the plate
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/lostforawhile/S4021879.jpg?t=1291235640

I'm using lead to fill the gaps, I use acid core plumbing solder which is the same thing as body lead. you need a completely clean surface, and good flux to make it stick. as far as a paddle to spread the melted lead, i just use a pine paint stick burned on the end.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/lostforawhile/S4021878.jpg?t=1291235640

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/lostforawhile/S4021882.jpg?t=1291235640
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/lostforawhile/S4021881.jpg?t=1291235640
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lostforawhile
12-01-2010, 03:03 PM
this is what it looks like ground down, I'm using just a little of finishing putty, it's the stuff you use to fill the final imperfections in body filler

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/moultriemanicmechanic/S4021884.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/moultriemanicmechanic/S4021885.jpg

make sure if you use a propane torch use one without a leak!! I was using the torch when it caught fire between the torch and the propane bottle, kicked it into the yard before the relief valve opened and it turned into a flamethrower

lostforawhile
12-01-2010, 04:33 PM
anyone know where to get a replacement piece that goes on that upper support? the rubber seal? the seal doesn't look bad but those little clips have torn out the bottom side of it. I guess I could just mask the area it goes and use some sort of adhesive.

Dr_Snooz
12-01-2010, 11:28 PM
Lead filler? Going old-school? You know they have this stuff now called Bondo? :lol:

lostforawhile
12-01-2010, 11:31 PM
Lead filler? Going old-school? You know they have this stuff now called Bondo? :lol:

on shallow areas like that, the lead fills much better then any plastic filler, as it bonds directly to the steel. i still had to use some finishing putty, but a very very small amount. I figured I would do this since i'm waiting on that paint to dry anyway. A lot of younger people ae discovering how well leaded filler works, plastic has it's place, but the main reason it's so popular is just convience. it takes time to work with lead but it's worth the effort, the main thing on thinner sheet metal cars is to use propane insteady of oxy like in the old days. they make newer alloys of lead designed just for lower heat propane.

lostforawhile
12-02-2010, 01:13 PM
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/moultriemanicmechanic/S4021887.jpg?t=1291324343

lostforawhile
12-02-2010, 05:03 PM
back in, slowly but surely replacing all the bolts with stainless allen head fasteners. When you build a car, it's all the small details together that make the overall car. Now i need to clean up and paint that latch assembly.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/moultriemanicmechanic/S4021888.jpg

most of the harness is back in, i need to finish up part of it yet, this is mostly fuse box wiring.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/moultriemanicmechanic/S4021890.jpg

DBMaster
12-02-2010, 05:22 PM
You can get the rubber seal, with clips included, from Majestic. In fact, I just ordered one because I am going to have to replace the radiator again soon. Much easier not to have to worry about those clips that always break.

Xaisk
12-02-2010, 07:55 PM
Thats a great job. I need to get that rubber piece too. Mine isnt ripped but the bottom where the clips go in are also ripped in the exact same way as yours. I like the paint, looks great.

My question is.. how did you make your overflow canister have a gas cap on it? Thats actually pretty neat.

lostforawhile
12-02-2010, 07:57 PM
You can get the rubber seal, with clips included, from Majestic. In fact, I just ordered one because I am going to have to replace the radiator again soon. Much easier not to have to worry about those clips that always break.when i can get one i'll have to make a tool to remove the clips without causing damage, then if i have to remove something on the front, i can reuse it, the rubber on the original seal is still good after 25 years

lostforawhile
12-02-2010, 09:40 PM
Thats a great job. I need to get that rubber piece too. Mine isnt ripped but the bottom where the clips go in are also ripped in the exact same way as yours. I like the paint, looks great.

My question is.. how did you make your overflow canister have a gas cap on it? Thats actually pretty neat.

i made the entire canister from scratch, i'll have to find the thread

lostforawhile
12-02-2010, 09:44 PM
here it is http://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66644=overflow

and while i was making it http://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66091

Mak_ABNOKY
12-07-2010, 09:07 PM
I like the idea. Altough its often hard to make a Good mod from it. Especially when you want it to look real. Making little stones and so on.

Im curious where this one will end Good luck

lostforawhile
12-07-2010, 09:18 PM
I like the idea. Altough its often hard to make a Good mod from it. Especially when you want it to look real. Making little stones and so on.

Im curious where this one will end Good luck:dunno:

1813mdw
12-09-2010, 06:26 PM
anyone know where to get a replacement piece that goes on that upper support? the rubber seal? the seal doesn't look bad but those little clips have torn out the bottom side of it. I guess I could just mask the area it goes and use some sort of adhesive.


after reading this thread i've decided to start something sim. i'll start on the wire tuck and when i get my new motor i'll paint while the old ones out. i remember jcwhitney sellin "universal" weather stripping that we could use w/ adhesive. if going through this much effort we should replace every thing possible i think. just an idea:cheers:

lostforawhile
12-09-2010, 06:39 PM
after reading this thread i've decided to start something sim. i'll start on the wire tuck and when i get my new motor i'll paint while the old ones out. i remember jcwhitney sellin "universal" weather stripping that we could use w/ adhesive. if going through this much effort we should replace every thing possible i think. just an idea:cheers:

you can paint it with the engine in, it just takes a lot longer, as you can see, one section at a time. i'm held up trying to find a piece of 6 gauge copper wire to go from the new alternator location to the lug on the starter. here's the electrical thread where i'm cleaning up the harness, this is just a sub project of that http://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72345

1813mdw
12-10-2010, 05:18 PM
you can paint it with the engine in, it just takes a lot longer, as you can see, one section at a time. i'm held up trying to find a piece of 6 gauge copper wire to go from the new alternator location to the lug on the starter. here's the electrical thread where i'm cleaning up the harness, this is just a sub project of that http://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72345

awseome work, man. i think i might wait til i go obd1 to really dig into mine so i have all those damned vac lines out. they're a real clusterfuk

1813mdw
12-10-2010, 05:22 PM
I like the idea. Altough its often hard to make a Good mod from it. Especially when you want it to look real. Making little stones and so on.

Im curious where this one will end Good luck

drugs are bad, buddy:thumbdn: