This may sound stupid, but I don't have one to look at!
I have a 1984 Firebird that has the old style belt driven fan. This thing has a shroud for the fan that also doubles as a mount for the radiator (at least on the top it does).

I am looking to swap to a Flex-A-Lite #180 fan and shroud and have discovered that I need to remove the stock shroud. The only problem is, if I get rid of it, there is now no upper mount to hold the radiator in place! Not good from a structural point of view.

My question is for all you that have the later years (I think they started the electric fans in 1985-6????). How is the radiator in your car mounted at the top? I believe the bottom is the same (rubber mounts that drop into slots at the bottom). Is there a plate across there that bolts to the upper radiator support and clips over the rubber shock mounts at each side of the top of the radiator? Or is there only some clips, or whatever on each side to hold it in there?

I am hoping I can find whatever type of mount you guys use to allow me to retain the radiator in position and have the entire core open to mount the fan assembly. Also... could you advise how the lower part of the radiator is mounted/supported if possible?

MANY thanks for any insights.
Brad

 

on mine the radiator sits in the groves top and bottom but the top groves are on a plate that gets bolted on top.

 

It shouldent be hard to make up some metal brackets, im currently making a large top bracket out of stainless steal because i have changed from the stock single thermo to dual thermos. If you want when i get mine worked out i can post some pics and sizes for you that way you can make youre own up (saves a lill cash and work looking for one that will work for youre setup).

 

dont be afraid to mod it a little. just look at the radiator and fab a piece of metal to hold it down. the radiator isnt going anywhere...

 

Since electric fans don't use a shroud so you cut your shroud portion off, and reuse the rad clamp/cover portion.

 

But if you use a second hand High flow OEM fan setup like i have used it is half the price of a set of aftermarket ones and you get a shroud (you just have to find a way to mount the bloody things).

If you need a temp fix while you make or find a top bracket (only if you NEED to drive the car) just use some 2mm wire going from one side of the radiator to the other, It wont go anywhere.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I appreciate it! I did find a top mount at a wrecking yard that was used on a V6 Camaro that I ended up modifying and it fits well. All I need to do now is bend up some custom brackets to support the fan unit to that mount and it will be done. Again, thanks for all the input. You guys are the greatest!
Brad