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Thread: Mk 3.1 Radiator Aluminum Question

  1. #1
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    Mk 3.1 Radiator Aluminum Question

    I mention it's a 3.1 because I don't know if things have changed on the Mk4.

    I'm fitting my aluminum inside the radiator opening and have a question.

    Referring to the side pieces that attach to the 3/4" tube: should those be fitted to shape (with bulb seal) to the body contour? I guess it is designed to keep all of the air directed towards the radiator, so it would be best for it to be shaped with the body. Or does it just lay down flat agains the radiator without regard with what's going on against the body?





    If it does need to meet against the body, I guess I would then raise the bottom of the radiator until the radiator meets the side aluminum flange. The top of the radiator is on a piano hinge, so that can be done.

    If I change the angle of the radiator, I would then need to trim the radius on the lower aluminum piece to fit against the body. The bottom aluminum wont fit in this space without doing so. This would be trimmed so that I can fasten the 45* lip to the bottom of the radiator.



    Would this need bulb seal or something between the aluminum edge and body?

    Hope these questions make sense.
    Thanks,
    Dave
    Dave
    Mk 3.1 - #6882 - 5.0L 302 - FiTech EFI - 3-Link - 3.08 Ratio - 15" Wheels
    Greenhorn and doing the best I can
    My photos are at: My Flickr acct
    Videos are at: YouTube Videos

  2. #2

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    Short answer Dave is ; the stock nose aluminum sucks. We always end up fabricating new side pieces but do manage to retain the lower piece. Here is a picture of the pieces we make here in the shop, each one fit to the individual car.

    Nose aluminum by i.e.427, on Flickr

    You can see we use bulb seal on the tops against the body. We don't however use it on the front of the bottom piece. It just make it to hard to get it in there.
    Take note that we cover the quick jack mounts and run the side piece all the way to the nose of the car.
    We have always been happy with the results doing it this way.

    Nose Aluminum 2 by i.e.427, on Flickr
    Last edited by i.e.427; 04-09-2018 at 10:28 PM.

  3. #3

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    Pick up a Roadster radiator aluminum panel and install it

    http://www.replicaparts.com/Roadster...nel%20page.htm
    Looks much better and no rivet holes in your body.




    Mike
    Last edited by michael everson; 04-10-2018 at 04:44 AM.

  4. #4
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    Thank you gentlemen for the replies.
    I may likely follow your advice.

    But has anyone used the FFR alum in this case? What did you do? Pics?
    Dave
    Mk 3.1 - #6882 - 5.0L 302 - FiTech EFI - 3-Link - 3.08 Ratio - 15" Wheels
    Greenhorn and doing the best I can
    My photos are at: My Flickr acct
    Videos are at: YouTube Videos

  5. #5
    Not a waxer Jeff Kleiner's Avatar
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    Like all of his parts Mike's nose aluminum works well and is a great option. If you stick with the FFR pieces it is as Frank said---the fit kinda' sucks and they either get trimmed, reshaped or remade. Variables in radiator positioning plays into which and how much. In any case the sides do get bulbseal at the body. I add a 12 inch or so long section of bulb to center of the front lip of the bottom piece and put it into place in the void between the radiator opening and oil cooler scoop then rivet the back edge to the lower lip of the radiator. When it's fitted snug with the bulb seal no rivets or fasteners to the body are necessary.

    Jeff

  6. #6

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    Jeff is right as long as you have another way to support the bottom of the radiator. Normally the radiator floor aluminum is what holds the radiator in place.
    Mike

  7. #7

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    Quote Originally Posted by michael everson View Post
    Pick up a Roadster radiator aluminum panel and install it

    http://www.replicaparts.com/Roadster...nel%20page.htm

    Mike
    Forgot to mention Mike's piece, it's really nice. And we're using one on the current customer car in the shop.
    Sorry about that Mike!

  8. #8
    Senior Member Cobradavid's Avatar
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    I used the kit aluminum panels on my 3.1.

    Here's a pic of the passenger side from when I was working on a radiator screen.




    Yes, the kit panels require some trimming to get the fit just right.

    While you're playing with aluminum in that area, you should consider installing a panel at the top of the radiator to close the gap between the radiator and the body. That should help force air through the radiator. Breeze sells one.

    David
    My Saving Grace: John 3:16

    FFR6687, Graduate #39 in the Class of 2009
    The Factory Five Forum March 2012 POM

  9. #9
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    I decided to make my own.
    Didn't take too long, and I was able to find some scrap alum sheet.
    David, you did a great job with those FFR panels. 👍

    Thanks for the help guys
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Dave
    Mk 3.1 - #6882 - 5.0L 302 - FiTech EFI - 3-Link - 3.08 Ratio - 15" Wheels
    Greenhorn and doing the best I can
    My photos are at: My Flickr acct
    Videos are at: YouTube Videos

  10. #10
    Senior Member edwardb's Avatar
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    Looks good. Very similar to what I've done with mine. Like the better fit and hiding the quick jack mounts. Just a cleaner look overall. Nice work.
    Build 1: Mk3 Roadster #5125. Sold 11/08/2014. Build 2: Mk4 Roadster #7750. Sold 04/10/2017. Build Thread
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  11. #11
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    I used the peel and stick foam that comes with the kit for on top of the 3/4 tubes on either side of the hood. I used a strip of this foam between each side aluminum piece and radiator, seemed to snug everything up nicely.

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