method of straightening the radiator support

[BrianO]

so it seems one of the previous owners used the radiator support as a jacking point so I have a nice rainbow underneath the radiator. In order to fit the radiator currently in there I had to modify the brackets on top and bottom of the rad itself or it would stick up so high you couldn't shut the hood.

I would like to get it straightened so eventually I can put a decent radiator in there without chopping it up. I tried banging the #$@#$%^ out of the support with a sledge when I did the radiator, but it didn't even budge.

Anyone have a way to do it? ideas? it's not super important since I drive it everyday and it's fine, but I'd like to get it fixed and put in a better rad without having to cut it out and weld in a new piece.

[Spencer]

Maybe try a Porta Power hydraulic jack, make sure you have something solid to push against, if that don't do it, probably have to take it to a body shop.

[BrianO]

you mean turn it upside down to push down on the hump?..and have something solid above it bracing it.. I'm guessing.

[Spencer]

Yeah thats what I was thinking.

[BrianO]

ok.. not sure what I can use to brace it at the top..maybe a buddy has some steel I could wedge in there or something

[svobrad]

Support

If it was mine I would cut it out and install a new one.
In the long run it would the better way.

SVO Brad

[BrianO]

Ideally that would be the best thing, but I don't have the money or resources so I settle for the inexpensive route for now.

[SVOPaul]

ok.. not sure what I can use to brace it at the top..maybe a buddy has some steel I could wedge in there or something

You're going to bend the upper radiator support bar

A portapower will do you no good as it will only bend anything you can brace it off while you try to push the bottom down. The only right way is to replace the core support.

If you want to short cut it and not replace the core support then you're going to need a frame rack or a way to anchor the car and pull downward on it...but without the right clamps, etc (ie: using the backyard method) you are going to likely make it worse in the end.

We've replaced countless core supports (many of them made worse by the owner and therefore costing them even more money) so I am speaking from experience with these things

[gbeaird]

Put a 4x4 between the porta-power and the upper support, that should help. Otherwise, work from a corner. I could possibly offer other ideas if we had a pic.

Another option would be to heat the support before attempting to straighten it.

Yet a third idea might be to take the car to a body shop that has a frame straightening machine, they might be able to pull the bent support out.

Gene Beaird,
86 2R SVO, G Stock,
Pearland, Texas

[chalkys_explorer]

As Paul says the only proper way to fix it is replace the whole thing or have a body shop straighten it. Using the upper support as a brace point will end badly as that area is even weaker than the lower area.

[AT6svo]

that area is even weaker than the lower area.

True.

My redneck suggestion would be to locate a pair of floor jacks and a good anchor bolted or attached to the ground (that is hard part). I'd place a 2x4 over the bent portion of the support (to distribute the load), wrap a heavy duty chain or tow strap round the anchor & 2x4 and carefully jack the car up from each side of the inner LCA area.

If you have access to an airport, they have really nice anchors.

Who knows, caution advised for owner before attemping this manuever, perform at your own risk.

Did I mention its a bit redneck, but then, I kind of am as well.

[BrianO]

I have to change out the calipers this weekend so I'll see what I'm dealing with and take all of these suggestions into mind. I'll see what can be done, hopefully it will be easy.

[Erics SVO]

You're going to bend the upper radiator support bar

A portapower will do you no good as it will only bend anything you can brace it off while you try to push the bottom down. The only right way is to replace the core support.

If you want to short cut it and not replace the core support then you're going to need a frame rack or a way to anchor the car and pull downward on it...but without the right clamps, etc (ie: using the backyard method) you are going to likely make it worse in the end.

We've replaced countless core supports (many of them made worse by the owner and therefore costing them even more money) so I am speaking from experience with these things

Yeah, I remember dragging yours across the driveway with the come-along with me sitting in it holding th brakes!

[Ford Builder]

Rad support

Hay brian show me some of the support and ILL help you .Its what I do.

[Pat_in_L.A.]

If you have access to an airport, they have really nice anchors. .

You will need a pretty long chain if you want to build up enough speed to pull the core support out.