What have people used as radiator rubber insulators for custom radiator installations?

 

Split a length of hose open lengthwise (hotdog) and put it over the front and back rails of the radiator on the top and bottom. Replace if it ever looks like it is getting worn through.

 

And that is why i post questions on TGO!

I ordered some crap of Amazon for $8 (would need 4) that I don't think will work. This hose idea sounds great.

I have plenty of -6, -8 and -10 push lock fuel line. I will try that for sure. Fabrication can continue.

 

Let us know how the radiator fits. In the market for a new one

 

It fits great so far. I have taken off a small section of the lower core support due to some crap mods from the past + rust.

I will be building that area back up and then fabricating some upper holds out of aluminum (I think). The split -6 push lock tubing works AMAZING. grabs tight onto the radiator core lip rails.

I was sick last weekend so I couldn't finish up the install. This weekend I should be good to go. Just need to be pick up a HF 18" metal brake to help make the AL parts as well as some of the lower core support out of 16 gauge steel.

The radiator is a beast though. Some years down the line I plan to add some sort of intake blower like the LSA has. The engineers at Griffin said they have seen cars with over 1000HP street driven be OK with this radiator!

Once you have it in your hands it is easy to see why.

 

Are you going to be bending aluminum? Aluminum has different properties than steel. If you are wanting to bend virgin aluminum you need to use T-0. Or 3003 H14 or 2024 T23 or 5052 H14.

If T6 6061 is all you have then you must anneal it first. Bending T6 without annealing it will cause cracks or just make the joint extremely brittle and it will snap under vibration.

If the angles have to be aluminum I would just buy the aluminum angle from one of the big box stores.

 

The angles holds for the top of the radiator don't NEED to be aluminum, but to make a C shape that is the correct width, I will have to fab something up. I also need to have the material reach far back to reach the core support.

The main bend I am talking about is the lower steel 16 gauge steel piece. I figured the top would be nice out of AL. Doesn't need to be tough. I could do steel. I was figuring I would buy the raw material online. If I have to anneal anything, I would not bother with Al. I plan to paint it in the end anyways. (I think).

I currently don't have any Al on hand. Have never worked with it. Hoping to learn.