radiator mounting questions

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shortarms

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I picked up a lightly used brass 4 row radiator the other day for my 86, thinking I'd maybe have to trim a little off the front of the fan shroud and figure out some new insulator rubbers. The existing radiator is aluminum/plastic 2 row, and the insulators look like they would support a 3 row. However the stock small block upper mounts are too short. I can find new rubber insulators at USA1 that specify 4 row, as well as the prothane/energy suspension urethane units. But it seems like only the big block trucks came with the 4 row core, and they used the big upper mounting plate (#5 on LMC page) and not the 2 small brackets for the upper mounts.

so uhh, any ideas here? how are folks getting big radiators in these trucks?

relevant links:
usa1
LMC radiator stuff
prothane
 

shortarms

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no? too stiff/not forgiving enough or what?
 

Snoots

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Too stiff. Will soon cause soldered connections to crack and leak.
 

shortarms

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OK, well that's good to know. thanks.
 

Craig 85

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454/TH-400/NP205
Here's some pictures of my OEM 454 set up. Diesel radiator was wider. They used a different set up, similar to yours, but maybe you can get that to work.

454
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Diesel
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shortarms

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Clean truck!
Yep, that's that upper plate I was mentioning on the big block trucks. Nice to see it installed, definitely helps.The shroud is a lot different. It does look like the diesel brackets would be what I want. This is going to be a pain. ebay turns up nothing.
 

Craig 85

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Clean truck!
Yep, that's that upper plate I was mentioning on the big block trucks. Nice to see it installed, definitely helps.The shroud is a lot different. It does look like the diesel brackets would be what I want. This is going to be a pain. ebay turns up nothing.
You my try these guys. They sell surplus military trucks. Maybe they still have some brackets laying around.

https://www.boyceequipment.com/
 

RanchWelder

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Are you going to use a factory shroud or build one?
 

Sgt Gus

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Here's some pictures of my OEM 454 set up. Diesel radiator was wider. They used a different set up, similar to yours, but maybe you can get that to work.

454
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Diesel
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Love the 454 set-up. I think I found alternator bracket, but can't find bracket for ps remote reservoir. Help? Love location of AC compressor. I also want to move from stock location above valve cover. Any help appreciated. Thanks
 

ChuckN

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If you are in a pinch, and the rubber mounts you have are broken down or just plain bad, take some heater hose you have laying around, cut it in half lengthwise and trim it to size. That should get you by.
 

Craig 85

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Love the 454 set-up. I think I found alternator bracket, but can't find bracket for ps remote reservoir. Help? Love location of AC compressor. I also want to move from stock location above valve cover. Any help appreciated. Thanks
I believe the remote bracket is the same from ‘80-85 mid year. I recall my 1980 454 being the same.

The bracket changed 1/1/85 through the 1986 model due to the dual smog pumps.

I have see people mount the reservoir on the core support. I believe 67-72 was done that was.

Only other source I could recommend is Pick N Pull in California. Unfortunately a lot of vehicles go to wrecking yards due to not passing smog and back registration fees.
 

AuroraGirl

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Clean truck!
Yep, that's that upper plate I was mentioning on the big block trucks. Nice to see it installed, definitely helps.The shroud is a lot different. It does look like the diesel brackets would be what I want. This is going to be a pain. ebay turns up nothing.
Why cant you use your mountsy you have now You said your rubber inserts support a 3 row, get the 4 row inserts
 

Sgt Gus

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I believe the remote bracket is the same from ‘80-85 mid year. I recall my 1980 454 being the same.

The bracket changed 1/1/85 through the 1986 model due to the dual smog pumps.

I have see people mount the reservoir on the core support. I believe 67-72 was done that was.

Only other source I could recommend is Pick N Pull in California. Unfortunately a lot of vehicles go to wrecking yards due to not passing smog and back registration fees.
Yes sir, I've gone through your thread, wow, awesome! Great info for us.
Our 87 bracket is a one piece that holds alt and smog pump. Removing smog and borg pipes.
I've seen some good 454 brackets, but have to find that 2nd bracket to hold reservoir. If that makes sense. I'm gonna have to get something in my hands and likely hit a pick a part. Slim pics in Dallas area.
 

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