Mk 3.1 Radiator Aluminum Question

[DadofThree]

I mention it's a 3.1 because I don't know if things have changed on the Mk4.

I'm fitting my aluminum inside the radiator opening and have a question.

Referring to the side pieces that attach to the 3/4" tube: should those be fitted to shape (with bulb seal) to the body contour? I guess it is designed to keep all of the air directed towards the radiator, so it would be best for it to be shaped with the body. Or does it just lay down flat agains the radiator without regard with what's going on against the body?
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/899/27484376098_fd1aab7d48_c.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/809/27484051568_38927fd850_c.jpg


If it does need to meet against the body, I guess I would then raise the bottom of the radiator until the radiator meets the side aluminum flange. The top of the radiator is on a piano hinge, so that can be done.

If I change the angle of the radiator, I would then need to trim the radius on the lower aluminum piece to fit against the body. The bottom aluminum wont fit in this space without doing so. This would be trimmed so that I can fasten the 45* lip to the bottom of the radiator.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/882/40641236044_7433e3ea64_c.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/895/27484049388_86b4269d1f_c.jpg

Would this need bulb seal or something between the aluminum edge and body?https://farm1.staticflickr.com/797/40641235694_abd791a619_c.jpg

Hope these questions make sense.
Thanks,
Dave

[i.e.427]

Short answer Dave is ; the stock nose aluminum sucks. We always end up fabricating new side pieces but do manage to retain the lower piece. Here is a picture of the pieces we make here in the shop, each one fit to the individual car.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/784/40642627234_d2a17c181e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24Vs67j)Nose aluminum (https://flic.kr/p/24Vs67j) by i.e.427 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152631091@N02/), on Flickr

You can see we use bulb seal on the tops against the body. We don't however use it on the front of the bottom piece. It just make it to hard to get it in there.
Take note that we cover the quick jack mounts and run the side piece all the way to the nose of the car.
We have always been happy with the results doing it this way.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/821/40642716164_8ebc51d2cd_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24VsxxA)Nose Aluminum 2 (https://flic.kr/p/24VsxxA) by i.e.427 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152631091@N02/), on Flickr

[michael everson]

Pick up a Roadster radiator aluminum panel and install it

http://www.replicaparts.com/Roadster%20aluminum%20panel%20page.htm
Looks much better and no rivet holes in your body.


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4609/39878787831_2f1cb0ac4d_z.jpg

Mike

[DadofThree]

Thank you gentlemen for the replies.
I may likely follow your advice.

But has anyone used the FFR alum in this case? What did you do? Pics?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Like all of his parts Mike's nose aluminum works well and is a great option. If you stick with the FFR pieces it is as Frank said---the fit kinda' sucks and they either get trimmed, reshaped or remade. Variables in radiator positioning plays into which and how much. In any case the sides do get bulbseal at the body. I add a 12 inch or so long section of bulb to center of the front lip of the bottom piece and put it into place in the void between the radiator opening and oil cooler scoop then rivet the back edge to the lower lip of the radiator. When it's fitted snug with the bulb seal no rivets or fasteners to the body are necessary.

Jeff

[michael everson]

Jeff is right as long as you have another way to support the bottom of the radiator. Normally the radiator floor aluminum is what holds the radiator in place.
Mike

[i.e.427]

Pick up a Roadster radiator aluminum panel and install it

http://www.replicaparts.com/Roadster%20aluminum%20panel%20page.htm

Mike
Forgot to mention Mike's piece, it's really nice. And we're using one on the current customer car in the shop.
Sorry about that Mike!

[Cobradavid]

I used the kit aluminum panels on my 3.1.

Here's a pic of the passenger side from when I was working on a radiator screen.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=21603&d=1379546783


Yes, the kit panels require some trimming to get the fit just right.

While you're playing with aluminum in that area, you should consider installing a panel at the top of the radiator to close the gap between the radiator and the body. That should help force air through the radiator. Breeze sells one.

David

[DadofThree]

I decided to make my own.
Didn't take too long, and I was able to find some scrap alum sheet.
David, you did a great job with those FFR panels. 👍

Thanks for the help guys

[edwardb]

Looks good. Very similar to what I've done with mine. Like the better fit and hiding the quick jack mounts. Just a cleaner look overall. Nice work.

[Murd]

I used the peel and stick foam that comes with the kit for on top of the 3/4 tubes on either side of the hood. I used a strip of this foam between each side aluminum piece and radiator, seemed to snug everything up nicely.