33 Radiator Installation

[Kpar]

Well got the radiator in and now having issues with the hood alignment.
I did have it lined up ok with the old rad but withy the new one a bit of a pain.
What I've found is the hinge brackets are different as per photos.
Searched the Green book with out much info. Is the front bracket different than the back ?.

 

[DavidG]

The bracket on the left in your photo is the correct one for '33-'35s, front and rear. The one on the right in the photo is for a '32 (front) and it may work on a '33-'35 if it is used and well worn and if the hinge molding is also well worn on the ends.

 

[koates]

Keith, the secret to your new radiator fit up is to FIRST make sure that every dimension, hole position and bracket position is exactly the same as your original radiator before you try to fit it to the car. If its not then you will have to make it so even before mounting the new radiator. Your original top hinge brackets would NOT be the problem. Next mount the radiator, grille, and hood panels all up but leaving all bolts and screws LOOSE so that you can wiggle things around a bit to find the best alignment positions. Then tighten them all up. The whole front of the car relies on the radiator position. New reproduction radiators are not necessarily exactly the same as originals. Regards, Kevin.

 

[Kpar]

Thanks Kevin, Just about done all you suggested although the original radiator was also suspect and things didn't line up too well until I made some modifications.
At the moment all bolts are loose and I've yet to drill the bottom mounting holes.
Gives me something to do while it's raining.
Keith

 

[David J]

What is your problem-problems ?

Hood to cowl gap ?
Hood to grille gap ?
Hood to inner skirt gap ?

When I put a front on a 33-34 I always start with the hood,grille and radiator .

If the gap between the hood and cowl is tight on top the radiator is too high . If the gap is tight on the bottom the radiator is too low .

If the gap is tighter on the right the radiator is too far right .
ETC .

GET THIS RIGHT FIRST !!!!
Once the back of the hood fits the cowl right the gap between the hood front and grille can be addressed .

This is mostly done with the radiator support rods but the grille brackets and lower radiator mount bolts can help a little also .

DO NOT change the height or side to side positioning of the radiator or you will lose your hood-cowl gap .

Once this all fits put the side skirts in .

Fenders are last and should have no affect on the hood fit .

 

[Kpar]

Some good advice David, I've just closed up the shed after a few hours and getting no where. I did find an issue the grill has a twist in it where it fits over the filler neck. I checked the old Rad and it was modified to suit.
Will attack it later on when my health gets a bit better.
Keith

 

[David J]

Had this issue once and thought the grille was twisted slightly .

Could not get the grille to hood gaps right no matter what I did UNTIL I left out the side brackets on one side ?!!!?

Turned out to be the side strap was not soldered in the right place on the top tank .

It was slightly back and this did not allow the grille to fit right with the side brackets installed .

Another clue was the 4 top screws - only the 2 rear ones that hold the hood bracket would go in .

This was a stinker to figure out as it was only slightly off but off it was and I like nice clean lines where possible .

One of the things that helped pin it down was trying a good fitting grille from another 33 and it wasn't any better .

May not be your issue but it's worth a look .

I did find an issue the grill has a twist in it where it fits over the filler neck. I checked the old Rad and it was modified to suit.

Keith

 

[Kpar]

Well hopefully tomorrow (help from wife) off comes the hood, grill & start again. Will make sure grill fits rad first, install without the side brackets and see how the hood fits.
I had the same issue when building my A model, although, a bit easier with straight lines to match up.
I'm not after a show car just a go car that I'm happy with
Keith

 

[Kpar]

Time for a beer or two. Finally got the hood alignment somewhere near decent. Not show quality but still ok. The biggest issue is the grill, it has been cut & patches welded in before it was plated. Maybe Santa will come at Xmas.
The bottom point of the rad was a real pain but got it in the end.
Keith

 

[David J]

Looks Good .

 

[koates]

Keith, well done, looks pretty good. Lets hope that new radiator lasts the distance. Regards, Kevin.

 

[Big-Foot]

Looking really nice!
I swear that these cars are all built around the radiator and grille shell....

 

[johnboy34]

Looks Good! Doubtful they were any better when new.