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Motor & Transmission Cooling, Part 2
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In most street rods space is always at a premium. Here are a couple of ideas that might work for you. With the tight confines between the motor and radiator Mark chose to modify the AFCO radiator. The straight inlet and outlet were carefully cut off the radiator using a Sawzall, taking care not to get debris inside the radiator. Masking off the holes in the radiator tanks is a must prior to grinding off the original welds.
Try this masking tip; Cut a disc from wide masking tape about a ¼" bigger per side than the opening. Punch 2 small holes in the tape inside the hole diameter. Slightly fold the tape to insert it into the hole. Using an L shaped tool like an allen wrench or dent puller inserted thru the small hole you can apply pressure to the backside of the opening to get a good seal. Another small piece of tape covers the two small holes.
Two 90-degree elbows were used for the new feeds. A beading tool was used to form a sealing lip for the hoses prior to welding them on. The angle of the radiator was increased which necessitated a new filler tube to provide clearance with the alternator, again a 90-degree elbow was used for the fill tube.
To attach the condenser 2 tapped blocks were welded to the lower cover on the radiator. These provided attach points for the lower bracket. The top bracket was made from some sheet aluminum and then welded to the top cover on the radiator. The lower bracket was also made from sheet aluminum and allows the condenser to be easily removed if necessary.
To plumb the radiator two 1 ¼ 45-degree stainless elbows were welded together for the lower radiator hose. Small straight sections of hose join everything together. An LT-1 Camaro lower radiator hose was cut up for the different sections and a molded bent section worked well for the upper hose. Hose clamps will be added at final assembly.
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