1969 Base Mustang Convertible, Proper Radiator Setup?

[YadiStang]

Hi Everyone, I'm new at posting here but have been reading the forums for several months as I just picked up a 1969 Convertible, base model, no AC. The car is in nice shape and worthy of attention however I'm trying take care of some basics before cold weather interrupts.

I need to replace a leaking/cracked radiator. It is a non-AC car so it has a 20" radiator. When I pulled the radiator, the first thing I noticed is that the mounts are on the sides...as in no saddle or upper/lower mounts - instead just four bolts, two on each side. Is that a normal setup because I keep seeing cars with upper/lower mounts. Maybe more importantly, there isn't a pad on the bottom and the radiator is resting directly on the frame. Its a tight fit and I can't see how a pad would ever be used. The radiator is a repro (whatever Advanced Auto would sell you).

Any help is appreciated and I look forward to reciprocating (hopefully) someday soon.

 

[horse sence]

The standard radiator just bolts in place with 4 bolts ,two on each side .The larger 24 inch radiator is held in place by two brackets on the bottom with rubber pads the radiator bottom sets in. The top of the larger radiator has a clamp that bolts to the radiator support and clamps over the top tank .You can up grade to the larger radiator by buying the lower brackets and the upper clamp ,and the bigger radiator ,it is all bolt in .Make sure to get the radiator with the outlets on the correct sides .

 

[YadiStang]

Jim,

Thanks for your reply. What about the cushion or pad beneath the radiator? Is that just found on the larger 24" radiator?

 

[horse sence]

Yes ,only on the clamp in larger radiator .The bolt in radiator should not touch at the bottom

 

[YadiStang]

Thanks. Maybe it was bolted in wrong using the wrong holes because it seemed a very tight fit in that I don't think I could have gotten the lower hose off without loosening bolts because the lower outlet is against the frame. The front end is unmolested so maybe its just an ill fitting radiator. Another thing that I noticed is my transmission cooler lines are contacting the lower hose, actually pushing against it but not collapsing it. Its been a while for me working on motors but this doesn't seem normal either.

 

[horse sence]

Is there two sets of holes in the radiator mounting flange on each side ? If not you could drill another set in the radiator bracket to raise it a bit . You may be able to carefully bend the trany lines ..or you could take an old radiator hose and cut a piece about 3 inches long and split it and slip it over the radiator hose between the hose and the metal lines .Glue it on the radiator hose with weather strip glue .

 

[YadiStang]

There are two sets of holes but only on the bottom...but not the top (or vice versa...I'm not in front of it). I would have to a new set of holes. I like your idea of the extra hose material to prevent chafing. That's a good call because I wasn't even considering that disaster. I'm going to see if the lines can be convinced to move. The transmission was out of this recently and I'm sure things need to be adjusted. Thanks.

 

[YadiStang]

I'm putting the radiator back in this morning and have a question regarding the transmission fluid. When I removed the radiator, the transmission drained a decent amount from the cooler lines - I would guess more than two quarts but I can't say for sure how much. When everything is back together, is there a cold level (i.e. just showing on dipstick) for tranny fluid? I know to check transmission fluid when its warm and idling in park, but I need a starting point from cold as I'm sure I'll need to add some fluid. I never thought to "measure" what I drained. Its been about 30 years since I've done this.... Any advice is sincerely appreciated.

 

[horse sence]

A little trany fluid looks looks like a lot ,it shouldn't hurt to run it in park long enough to get a reading on the stick .If it shows low ad about half a quart at first .Run it again and check again . If it reads on the stick at all let it warm up and then fill it to the mark .

 

[YadiStang]

Thanks for your assistance with this. I think I've got it done....no leaks and the trany level is where I believe it should be (about two quarts). I managed to get the cooler lines a little lower, off the hose. Just a side note...I always hated reading the trany dipstick with clean fluid. I'm always second guessing by nature.