Radiator Sheet Metal

[Wizbangdoodle]

I'm getting the sheet metal around the radiator installed and had 2 questions.

1. Is there a way to attach the chin sheet metal to the body without riveting it through the body? Maybe adhesive, or not securing it at all?

2. The picture below shows the passenger side metal and a huge gap over the radiator tank. Shouldn't this be flush with the radiator? I was going to bend it to make it flush, but wanted to check here first before making any changes.

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[gbranham]

What you're experiencing is why I threw those bits in the trash, and went with the Breeze lower support and Everson's nose aluminum.

I always thought the kit nose aluminum was kind of cobbled together.

Greg

[Wizbangdoodle]

What you're experiencing is why I threw those bits in the trash, and went with the Breeze lower support and Everson's nose aluminum.

I always thought the kit nose aluminum was kind of cobbled together.

Greg

It definitely could have used more thinking in the design process Greg. Or was this how the originals were put together?

[Rebostar]

I had decided on the oil cooler kit but I did not want to use the FFR supplied sheet metal as it was to flimsy. I did use it as a template for making one out of .040 2024T3 aluminum to support the weight of the cooler full of oil. I mounted it to the lower radiator flange using #10 S.S. PK screws and tinnerman nuts. On the front side I cut three notches then I bonded on 3 bonding studs (1st pic) from McMaster Carr, to the fibergalss body to engage the notches. (2nd pic). This keeps the oil cooler mount plate secure front and rear as well as screwed to the side pieces. Very stout! And no visible means of support.

Hope this helps.
Happy Trails

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[Jeff Kleiner]

I'm getting the sheet metal around the radiator installed and had 2 questions.

1. Is there a way to attach the chin sheet metal to the body without riveting it through the body? Maybe adhesive, or not securing it at all?

2. The picture below shows the passenger side metal and a huge gap over the radiator tank. Shouldn't this be flush with the radiator? I was going to bend it to make it flush, but wanted to check here first before making any changes.

225638

1. I add about a 12" long section of bulb seal to the front edge of the lower "chin" piece. It then tucks into place securely in the recess between the radiator opening and oil cooler scoop opening. You may need to trim the leading edge back a bit.

2. You don't want the side aluminum and radiator to touch because movement or vibration of the side panel can abrade the tank. I usually add a section of the same rubber "D" seal that I use for hood and door weather stripping along the edge.

Jeff

[edwardb]

Just FYI for those reading this thread. I'm assuming this is about a Mk4 (or earlier). The Mk5 has a new radiator mounting setup that is very robust and the Breeze system will no longer fit or be necessary (sorry Mark). The Mk5 radiator surround is also new. Gone are the three pieces and now they have a one-piece wraparound along the lines of what Mike Everson used to offer. I haven't gotten far enough along to see how it fits. For the record, I didn't like those older style pieces either. Made new ones.

[Wizbangdoodle]

For now, I think I'll just go with the pieces I have and replace them in the future. They look kinda goofy with the slots in the chin piece. I also want to eliminate the slits of aluminum radiator tank showing that the sheet metal doesn't cover.

Jeff, the bulb seal is a great idea, thanks.

I can't put my finger on it, but I'm not a fan of the Everson treatment up front. I'm sure it's a great piece and all, but something just doesn't do it for me.

Rebostar, as always, so clean and neat. Looks fantastic. I'm going without the oil cooler, but that shot without the body on really shows how well you did that.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

For what it's worth I think it would be hard to find a cleaner install than the Everson/Breeze combo.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=225660&d=1771124918
Have 10 NC summers on it pretty close to daily outings & never exceeded 212*F without having a fan/radiator shroud.https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=186308&d=1687707933

[Wizbangdoodle]

I actually have the Breeze radiator support and the upper shroud, which I think is a great idea. Without that shroud, half the air just goes right past the radiator.

[CraigS]

I am with Bear, I really liked the Everson nose al. I bent the curve w/ a little shorter radius to better match the 90deg corners at the bottom.