LocostUSA.com

My list of things to do before my first test drive is getting shorter. I have to run one brake line down the tunnel to the tee for my rear brakes. Run my front brake lines (I'm still waiting for my front flex lines). Modify my right side caliper bracket so it doesn't hit the a-arm. Mount my brake fluid reservoirs. And install a radiator. The last one I managed to get half way through last night by tacking on the top two brackets. I have all my hoses. I picked up another radiator last week. It came from a 1980 Toyota Tercel. Fits wonderful, has 1 1/4" top and bottom openings, plus it has a temperature sensor screwed into the bottom. I'm not sure if that's for the fan or the dash gauge/idiot light. I have to dig into that a little more. It would be pretty sweet if it was for the fan as it would save me having to tap in a sensor somewhere else. Plus, for that old school look - it's freakin' BRASS. I can't remember the last time I saw a brass radiator. Anyway, after that, find a battery, slap in the harness and turn the key. The kids are heading off for a week in Kelowna next week so that will allow me a few solid nights of alone time. Bold prediction: I'll be grinnin' like a fool and rocketing down my back alley before September rolls around.

I really need to do some clean up again in my garage. Other than the radiator brackets, that's all I did last night. Geez, just a mess. There's no room in there to work on my DD so whenever I do something, it's out on the driveway. Finish at 11:00 at night, kick the tools back into the garage just enough so the door will close then lock up and go to sleep. That little habit doesn't mix well with my pack-rat mentality. I'm my own worst enemy sometimes.

I think the next really big stumbling block for me is going to be the header. I've got the stock manifold on it right now. I think its going to be one of those things where you just dive in with both feet. I don't want the build to sit for eight months because I'm afraid to tackle it.

Scratch one off the list. The radiator is mounted and looks freakin' sweet. I'm tempted to leak test it.....

Pics???

KS

Yeah, I know the rules around here - it doesn't count unless I have photographic evidence...

Tonight. mkay?

As promised:

I dunno...that upper mount doesn't look too stout. Can't really see lower one. I'd keep a close eye on that for fatigue cracks. Maybe triangulate the mount, or atleast weld leg on the strap to make it an angle. Best plan? Figure out a way to rubber isolate it. The rad's going to be pretty heavy when full, and hung way out at the tip of the car. Vibration will take a heavy toll on both the attach points on the rad, and the lightweight brackets.
FFT,
-Dave

Spray foam. It will hold anything, and it's super light, too.

Thanks Dave, duly noted. The mounts are made from 16 ga steel and they're obviously just tacked for now. My first thought was to mount it directly to the front. It was a very close fit, but if I had done that, I don't think I would have had clearance to put the hoses on. The picture isn't the best, the bottom mount is turned 90 degrees to the top one. I attached it kind of right behind my suspension bracket. The rad doesn't move very much at all, but I think I will run another one down from the top mount to sort of triangulate it like you said.