1966 Skylark Rad Support Too Wide?

Discussion in 'Chassis restoration' started by uwjberg, Sep 11, 2022.

  1. uwjberg

    uwjberg Active Member

    So I bought a 1966 Skylark back in May and have been working on getting it back together. The car was semi-complete and bolted together but you can tell it had been worked on for some time. I removed the doghouse and painted/did rust remediation. When I went to reinstall the rad support today with new hardware and bushings, the holes in the Fram where the bushings sit did not line up with the rad support. The holes for the bushings and hardware was at least an inch longer than the mounting holes in the frame. When I removed it I guess I didn't notice since everything was pretty rough.

    I have not measured the frame, but there are no indications of frame damage (gaps, visible buckles or movement in the frame rails, other fitment issues). Is it possible that I have a car with a different year rad support? Any differences between '66 and 67? The fenders do not have the lower vent trim pieces (like a Special), so I'm wondering if this is a patchwork car with different parts?

    Any help would be appreciated.
     
  2. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    I have a frame spec diagram from the Buick Service bulletins..... the dimension for the front frame horns is 35.5 inches from outside edge to outside edge of frame.
    Between frame rails at steering box (lower bolt) to idler arm mounting surfaces it's 28-1/8".

    I just checked one of my frames and I'm a bit wider at 35-5/8" (+1/8"). Rad support hole to hole is 32-5/16".

    66 and 67 rad supports are different, tho both have the same mounting hole spacing.
    67 headlights attach directly to the support, while 66 headlights attach to another sheetmetal piece which then bolts to the rad support. I don't think you can properly attach 66 headlight and grill pieces to a 67 rad support.
     
  3. uwjberg

    uwjberg Active Member

    Thanks for the reply - I'll make a run to the garage to measure the frame based on those specs. The headlights bolt to a sheetmetal panel which then bolts to the rad support on mine, so looks like a '66.
    When I disassembled it the bushings were in terrible shape so I think the rad support was basically held on by the bolts and super-stretched out bushings. Seems weird it won't line up.
    Fingers crossed I don't have a frame that's out of whack . The bumper mounting points and bumper all line up and the bumper is undamaged so it feels like they will be fine?
     

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