Radiator cover, metal or plastic???

Discussion in 'Chassis restoration' started by Jesse Tackett, Jun 10, 2018.

  1. Jesse Tackett

    Jesse Tackett Well-Known Member

    My 70 skylark has the original plastic radiator cover, which places the shroud too close to the huge 4core radiator I have in it. What determined metal or plastic cover? Will a metal cover work better? Seems like my car came with a 3 core radiator, it is a factory air car. How do you guys make this work?
    thanks, jess in ky
     
  2. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    A number of changes were made around the mid point of the 70 model year. This was one. There is no precise date.
     
  3. 87GN_70GS

    87GN_70GS Well-Known Member

    My Jan 70 build date came with plastic
     
  4. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    The plastic cover will be identical in fit and function to the metal counterpart. Neither one is made for use with a 4 row radiator
     
  5. Jesse Tackett

    Jesse Tackett Well-Known Member

    "Neither one is made for use with a 4 row radiator " I get that, but I would guess that I'm not the first to use a 4 core in one of these cars. So, how did you adventurous guys handle this? The radiator actually extends out from under the cover (toward the engine) so the shroud hits it before it comes flush with cover. ????
    thanks, Jess
     
  6. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    Longer bolt and a spacer
     
  7. gsfred

    gsfred Founders Club Member

    It may have something to do with the rubber mountings in the cover. They are made for 3 core, so the rad does not fit into them. Check to see if you can modify that.
     
  8. BuickV8Mike

    BuickV8Mike SD Buick Fan

    Jesse, Here's a photo of my spacers made from a 1/2" nuts. Something else might work as well. Had to cut a section out to fit. You are on the right path.
     

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  9. Jesse Tackett

    Jesse Tackett Well-Known Member

    Thanks guys, I already swapped the 4 core rubber saddles in, and have a spacer set up kinda like Mikes. I was just hoping a different cover would work (olds or pontiac or something similar) that would look closer to factory engineered.

    jess
     

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