View Full Version : RADIATOR ANGLE vs. Sheet Metal
M22_COBRA
03-20-2025, 09:20 AM
Ive got the Breeze upper and lower mounts, FFR radiator, and recently did my install.
I set the radiator to the 51 degrees in the directions, but when I look at the side pieces for the enclosure sheet metal they don't lay square to the chassis front plates if its square to the rad tanks, and vice versa if I square the front its way off the radiator. Its like the radiator wants about 46 deg to square up, but at that point the lower mount is almost out of adjustment.
Looking for input so I don't paint myself in a corner later. Is it better to make the radiator at the 51 deg angle and modify / remake the side enclosures? Or is it better to make the sheet metal fit and move the radiator to the panels? I've heard those specific panels notoriously are a poor fit. Thanks.
michael everson
03-20-2025, 10:21 AM
I would make the panels fir or buy the nose aluminum from
www.replicaparts.com
http://www.replicaparts.com/Roadster%20aluminum%20panel%20page.htm
Mike
gbranham
03-20-2025, 10:32 AM
I ditched their kit-supplied nose aluminum, and bought Mike Everson's solution he linked above. I think it looks so much better, and it's far less work to install.
If you stay with the kit aluminum, don't fixate on any particular angle. Place the side nose pieces on the frame so the notches align with the quickjack mount holes, then align the radiator with the nose aluminum. 51 degrees is just a guide. I have all the Breeze bit, too, and you may need to drill new holes for that lower mount, based on where the radiator needs to be when aligned with the side nose pieces.
Jeff Kleiner
03-20-2025, 10:58 AM
I've never measured a radiator angle and instead let the side pieces be my guide referencing them as Greg mentioned above.. The sides don't ordinarily need much rework aside from minor trimming; the bottom generally requires a bit more.
Jeff
gbranham
03-20-2025, 11:08 AM
I've never measured a radiator angle and instead let the side pieces be my guide referencing them as Greg mentioned above.. The sides don't ordinarily need much rework aside from minor trimming; the bottom generally requires a bit more.
Jeff
A smart guy named Jeff Kleiner gave me that tip.
F500guy
03-20-2025, 09:18 PM
I had the breeze upper and lower mounts and the passenger side was way off. I could not lift the bottom of the radiator without it hitting at the top along the angle tube, I ended up just bending a couple new pieces to make a better fit. I was about 1/2 off the radiator, or if I pulled it down to rest on the radiator the top was over 3/4 inch from the body and the bolts for the front quick jack did not fit.
cv2065
03-20-2025, 10:12 PM
A vote for Mike's nose aluminum from Replica parts. Really finishes off the front of the car nicely!
GoDadGo
03-21-2025, 06:07 AM
I went in a totally different direction I did not install the aluminum nose panels but added a custom grill and lower dimple holed radiator mount cover instead.
https://youtu.be/9WEe6-wdNtA
Since I was going for a street look, the grill option seemed to suit the car, it worked out well plus the radiator is better protected from large stones and other debris.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F3FJMKG?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_ti tle_3&th=1
The grill does gut down airflow by 38% did not impact my cooling system which was a concern.
Another vote for Mike's nose aluminum.
Dave.