Front steer radiator clearance

[Bill Blue]

There ain't any. The radiator and steering rack have major interference issues. I really can't describe the situation, here are some pictures. The radiator is stock Alpine with reversed outlets.





If I move the rack to the rear (it would require about 3/4"), the radiator could drop down, but there would be no access to the outlet. The radiator sets on the rack and is about 1 1/2" too high. The rack cannot be lowered that much, at least not with my talents and equipment. Wrong rack?

Best option - cut 1 1/2" off the bottom of the radiator?

Bill

 

[Fergusonic]

Have a Radiator Shop shorten the Radiator (from the bottom) ?

 

[MikeH]

Is there room to rum the outlet from the bottom of the rad?

 

[Bill Blue]

"Have a Radiator Shop shorten the Radiator (from the bottom) ?" Good idea. Looks like I'd loose less (way less, maybe) than 1" of radiator exposed to air flow. A lot of the stock radiator sits below the opening.

"Is there room to rum the outlet from the bottom of the rad?" Good idea, but there would be no way to get the radiator hose to the bottom of the radiator. There's a lot of stuff fighting for space in that general area. Radiator, rack and steering rod. Poor old radiator hose does not have a chance.

Bill

 

[DanR]

Bill, Your radiator is stock with tubes vertical ? Correct? Could you go with a crossflow ? That way you may be able to raise the outlet enough to clear the rack !

 

[Aladin Sane]

The solution the originator of my project came up with was to incline the radiator. It isn't real clear in this shot, but the bottom of the radiator is at least 2 inches in front of the top.

 

[Toyanvil]

That is what I did, I also mounted it in front of the core support.

 

[DanR]

Sloped / Angled radiator

 

[Bill Blue]

A crossflow would probably do it. So would angling the radiator, maybe. It would leave a permanent air bubble in the radiator, which may or may not be a problem. Also the radiator cap may be too high. Stuff to think about.

Dan, do you know how James handled the problem? His rack was mounted higher and farther forward, which I think would make the problem worse.

Bill

 

[DanR]

A crossflow would probably do it. So would angling the radiator, maybe. It would leave a permanent air bubble in the radiator, which may or may not be a problem. Also the radiator cap may be too high. Stuff to think about.

Dan, do you know how James handled the problem? His rack was mounted higher and farther forward, which I think would make the problem worse.

Bill

I think I still have the radiator that was on the Alpine


You can have it...

I'll look when get home

 

[Bill Blue]

I now have the radiator that James (owner that installed the front steer) used. Crossflow and only 12 1/2" tall, it clears everything. Only downside - outlets are larger, the lower outlet is much larger, and very long. I think I will cut the outlets back an inch or so and insert stainless steel reducers. That should make everything work, even have a half inch fan clearance!

Bill

 

[DanR]

I will cut the outlets back an inch or so and insert stainless steel reducers.

That sounds like a workable solution without going to the radiator shop Post some PIC's when you can,