Project 1: Radiator Replacement
Applicable Years: C3
Skill level: 2 Wrenches
Tools required: sockets, ratchet, wrenches, catch basin, screwdrivers, pliers
Time required: 4-5 hours
Parts source: DeWitts Reproductions
Some of the radiator seams on my '76 Shark were starting to show tell-tale stains from dried antifreeze in a couple of spots, telling me this radiator was ready to pop the next time I had to sit in traffic on a 90-degree day. Owing to some engine performance work, it runs a bit on the warm side, so I decided to replace the stock radiator with an all-aluminum racing unit from DeWitt's Reproductions. Since this car also has factory air, there were a couple of extra steps you won't have to perform on a non-A/C car. Either way, it's not terribly difficult, but it is a bit involved and will take up the better part of a Saturday when you do it.
Open the petcock on the bottom...
Open the petcock on the bottom of the radiator to drain all of the engine coolant. While you can use a clean container to catch the liquid for reuse later, I decided to put nice fresh antifreeze in the brand-new radiator after the installation. CAUTION: antifreeze is sweet tasting and highly toxic to pets if ingested, so be careful not to let any drip onto your garage floor or driveway if you have cats or dogs in your household.
Normally, you would remove...
Normally, you would remove the hood at this point to make removal of the shroud and radiator easier; however, this car has a Monza tilt-nose on it. If your Shark is "normal," remove the bolts that secure the hood to the hinges and have a helper assist you in removing the hood. Then remove the four bolts holding the fan to the water pump. After bolt removal, the fan can be lifted off the shaft.
The shroud retaining brackets...
The shroud retaining brackets are the next items to be taken off by removing the three bolts that retain each bracket.
Loosen the hose clamps on...
Loosen the hose clamps on both the upper and lower radiator hoses and pull the hoses off. Once the hoses are disconnected, the shroud can be lifted out. While one person can remove the shroud, it is much easier if you have a helper to work the opposite side, since you'll have to "walk" it up and around obstructions such as the water pump shaft to get it out of the engine compartment.
The radiator mount support...
The radiator mount support bracket bolts are removed next, one on each side of the support.
If your car has an air conditioning...
If your car has an air conditioning condenser and/or a trans cooler, the nylon retainer locks on the fin pass-thru retainers should be removed at this point by pulling on them while twisting gently. Obviously, if you don't have these gizmos, this step doesn't apply.
The bolts that hold the upper...
The bolts that hold the upper radiator mounting brackets are removed next.
Once the bolts are out, the...
Once the bolts are out, the upper mount brackets can be removed by pulling up on them.
The overflow hose clamp can...
The overflow hose clamp can be moved back an inch or two so the overflow hose can be pulled free of the radiator.