Radiator install in 69 camaro?
 

I received my new radiator last week for my 69 Camaro, Decided to go with the C&R Racing setup, It looks like most guys are just bolting to rad support solid, and even with the top of the support. Just curious if there is any suggestions or things I need to check out before install, or just drill some holes and mount it. Man I hate to even drill holes in this thing,,
Thanks Travis

Bolting the radiator solid is usually a bad idea. Use some rubber bushings or something to absorb any vibration, shock, etc. You just don't want the radiator to twist in any way. This will eventually work the brazing loose that bonds the tubes to the tank sides. Just my 2 cents worth. I hate to see a fellow member ruin a good radiator just because of the mounts. I would do the logical....check with the manufacturer of the radiator. In this case I think there are rubber mounts that mount the radiator support to the frame. I think this should suffice. However, I would still ask C&R to see what they designed the radiator to do....and not do.

Most aftermarket radiators for Camaros are like that. I haven't had any issues...the hoses do much of the flexing.

If you do want to use the bottom saddle mount and top cap run a radiator spec't for a 69-72 Nova.

I have the C&R radiator and have been advised by them and others to use some rubber. Here is an email they sent me on the topic:

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What you don’t want to happen is the radiator to become a weight bearing structural part of the car. Hard bolting it in would make the radiator flex with the car and allow no place for the radiator to expand/contract as it heats and cools. These issues will shorten the life of the radiator and lead to tubes breaking away from the header sheet and you get a leak that is hard to repair. Rubber grommet mounts are one method to give the radiator a way to expand. We use pin mounts with grommets on some radiators but if yours bolts directly to the core support, you can HARD bolt one side but on the other either OVER SIZE the holes you’re bolting through, SLOT them to allow for expansion or use a rubber grommet. All will allow the radiator to move as it needs to. If you have any further questions give me a shout.
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I thought they were solid mounted from the factory? Why fix what ain't broke?

I believe 'stock mounts' for a '69 radiator use rubber 'well' nuts, which expand into holes of the core support as you tighten them.

http://www.heartbeatcitycamaro.com/s...967-1968-1969/

The 2 different aftermarket radiators I've had mounted this same way also.

Correct, and this method is what I have always used also. But those little guys cant offer too much room for twisting/movement.

Use some type of rubber so stuff can flex etc. Especially on a car that has stiffer suspension and might get worked hard on a track etc.

I would prefer to always rubber mount if possible but not radiators are rubber mounted. My jeep is hard mounted from the factory. Rubber mount is nice but not mandatory.

Hey Travis. Post a picture of your radiator install if you can. Thanks.