100/6 Radiator cross member

[Guy Marshall]

Hi all,

I replaced my water pump and noticed a very shabby repair on the front yoke that supports the bottom of the rad.

The left side of the yoke has been reattached a good inch behind where it should be. It does not seem to do much other than support the radiator, but has anyone had any experience with this sort of repair?

Also the brackets that attach the radiator to the yoke are so short that the brace is tight up against the back of the radiator which must inhibit air flow. Has anyone extended/bushed the brackets to allow more air gap?

Thanks for any thoughts...

 

[John Turney]

I think that front yoke is supposed to add stiffness to the front suspension. The bracket looks normal.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Hate to say it, but it looks to me that the 'yoke' needs to be replaced. A good welder can probably do it.

Is that electrical tape on the steering column, by the box?

 

[Randy Forbes]

Has the "X" brace also been cut loose at the bottom__I mean, it sure looks like it is...

I see too that it has a later model steering box, so I'm guessing most of this stems from a previous encounter with a solid, stationary object?

The bottom of the radiator on my 100/6 is also right up against the xmbr, though there are some holes in it for the air to pass through. This picture shows a 3000 MKIII.

 

[Guy Marshall]

Thanks all,

Yes, I suspect all the damage stems from a previous accident - before my time. I suspect driving an Austin Healey may not be the best place to have an accident involving the steering column. Thanks for the advice re the radiator Randy. Mine has the holes too though they were full of stones. Great to find that rattle! It would seem a simple mod to move the bottom of the rad forward a bit to allow more airflow. Has anyone seen that done?

The cross brace has been "modified" (I suspect to fit the old BMW thermo fan a PO had added) so that will need replacing/repairing at the same time.

There is a turn of electrical tape on the bottom of the steering column - well spotted, Bob. No idea why its there. I hope its not keeping the column together!

 

[Bob_Spidell]

...
There is a turn of electrical tape on the bottom of the steering column - well spotted, Bob. No idea why its there. I hope its not keeping the column together!

Probably to stop/suppress/hide a leak. The column is sweated (soldered) into the box, and they've been known to leak over time (not usually as bad as the front plate, olive or seal on the rocker).

 

[Healey Nut]

The 64 I just finished had the ultimate bodge job on the front X member . It had been cut out completely I assume to do timing chain etc without removing engine .
Then they patched some crappy brackets in place over the cuts and put bolts right through it all .
Needless to say it got done right during the restoration