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radiator bracket repair

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Z

zimasprite

Jedi Hopeful
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Hey all,

On my 68 sprite, the bracket on the top of the radiator that bolts to the radiator cowl is broken. Should I just tack weld this back? I don't want to screw up the radiator or anything. Would it be better to just make a custom bracket to hold the radiator in place?

Thanks for the help - Drew
 
If me, I would tack it back.
 
I've never welded anything while ON the car before. Obviously, I'd disconnect the battery, but should I be worried about messing up any electrical parts when using a MIG welder???

Thanks
 
I always unplug the alternator
 
Hmmm....radiator looks like it is copper. I'm not sure if it'll weld correctly. I don't have brazing material either...I don't think. Ideas? Wonder if I could solder/sweat the holes in the bracket to the radiator.

- Drew
 
Wait! I thought we were talking about the shroud. I've always avoided trying my own radiator repairs. I'm fearful that I'll weaken other joints and have a failure at an inopportune time.
 
It's that plate on the top of the radiator that the shroud bolts to. The connection of the plate to the radiator is not in tact so I need to reattach it somehow.
 
Drew, I've JUST done this on mine... it had come undone, and had been poorly repaired in the past. Soldering snots all over the place.

Rather than take it to a rad shop, I bought a cheapo propane tank & nozzle at my local hardware store, and some non-lead solder. I melted the previous repair, folded the 'ears' of the top plate a little more precisely, then fluxed & soldered everything into place.

I've never brazed / soldered anything much before, but I'm fairly handy, and it was pretty easy. No leaks whatsoever now that it's reinstalled.

The tank is copper, on my 1500 in any case, so it won't take a MIG weld. Like water off a duck's back...

-D
 
LOL, do not do anything to the radiator its self but sodder it with a torch.

Gesh I thought you were talking about the mount.
 
The secret to solder-work on a radiator is to keep a cool, wet rag on top of the nearest soldered parts that are NOT being worked on, to keep those joints from softening!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif
 
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