Gumball
01-10-2013, 11:20 PM
Here are a couple of pictures of the FFR-supplied radiator surround aluminum on 7074. I'm using the FFR/AFCO radiator, so the aluminum needed a bit of tweaking to fit properly. I had to trim the side panels a bit (more trimming is required to re-fit the Breeze hood hinge mounting bracket), especially around the top radius to allow room for bulb seal. The bottom part needed a couple of slits to make it slip into place, and a slight bend just below where it disappears under the body lip (where the cleco pins are in the pics) to keep it from rubbing on the radiator. The lower piece will be supported by the side pieces, the two tabs on each side, the three rivets across the nose opening, and from below by a box that I'm going to make for the oil cooler.
I was tempted to just make new parts, but these were pretty close to begin with, it just took a little bit of attention to detail to make it work. In the end I was very happy with the fit and the shape of the opening, which will allow me to use a large, flat screen to protect the delicate aluminum radiator fins. Just need to make those additional cuts to allow the hood hinge bracket to go back in as well as drill four holes for the oil cooler lines.
Photos available - PM me.
I was tempted to just make new parts, but these were pretty close to begin with, it just took a little bit of attention to detail to make it work. In the end I was very happy with the fit and the shape of the opening, which will allow me to use a large, flat screen to protect the delicate aluminum radiator fins. Just need to make those additional cuts to allow the hood hinge bracket to go back in as well as drill four holes for the oil cooler lines.
Photos available - PM me.