• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Fabricated fan shroud

old guys rule

FBBO Gold Member
FBBO Gold Member
Local time
5:39 PM
Joined
Sep 14, 2016
Messages
1,322
Reaction score
445
Location
Jacksonville, FL
Has anyone out there used a fan shroud that you must Assemble from any parts store? Summit Etc if there is a better way let me know. I just can't weld.
 
The obvious question is why? Using e-fans or mechanical? If mechanical, the plastic "molded" factory style shroud will flow better than any "fabbed" shroud. A fabbed metal shroud has a flat surface, not curved, which can cause a high pressure area at higher speeds reducing air flow.
 
Sorry I didn't mention it's an aftermarket radiator. Be cool radiator I want to use with a fixed mechanical fan
 
Sorry I didn't mention it's an aftermarket radiator. Be cool radiator I want to use with a fixed mechanical fan
I have had 2 aftermarket aluminum radiators. They all have a lip on both sides of the core. I laid my radiators on my work bench and then placed the shroud on top of them. On one, the holes on the shroud lined up w the outer edge of the lip, I used large washers on both side and pinched the flange between the shroud and washer. Worked perfect. On the other, the flange was a bit wider and I was able to drill holes through them that matched the factory shroud. Even w a fabricated metal shroud, you'll be drilling through the flange on both sides of the core. The factory or factory copy shroud "will" work much better than any fabbed shroud.
 
I have had 2 aftermarket aluminum radiators. They all have a lip on both sides of the core. I laid my radiators on my work bench and then placed the shroud on top of them. On one, the holes on the shroud lined up w the outer edge of the lip, I used large washers on both side and pinched the flange between the shroud and washer. Worked perfect. On the other, the flange was a bit wider and I was able to drill holes through them that matched the factory shroud. Even w a fabricated metal shroud, you'll be drilling through the flange on both sides of the core. The factory or factory copy shroud "will" work much better than any fabbed shroud.
 
I didn't have access to a tig machine so I drew up what I needed and had a local shop fab mine for a little over $200.

https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopa...up-new-residence.114133/page-9#post-910710888

Here's the drawing for my 22" radiator.
Screenshot_20211015-130249_Gallery.jpg
 
I used the Summit aluminum fab shroud on my 73 Charger with a cheapo 16" Griffin aluminum radiator. I Riveted it rather than use the bolts provided, which in my opinion, looks much better than the bolts. It works great. The car has a warmed over 440, 3.55 gears, and runs cool no matter the circumstance.... highway or long idles in traffic no problem... 180 degrees all day long.
 
I used the Summit aluminum fab shroud on my 73 Charger with a cheapo 16" Griffin aluminum radiator. I Riveted it rather than use the bolts provided, which in my opinion, looks much better than the bolts. It works great. The car has a warmed over 440, 3.55 gears, and runs cool no matter the circumstance.... highway or long idles in traffic no problem... 180 degrees all day long.
I bet it does look better w rivets, but how do you get the fan off if needed or the radiator out if needed w the shroud riveted to the radiator.
 
If I use a factory type shroud that will fit the radiator without interference from the upper and lower hoses wouldn't that be better easier. Just not sure how to mount it. Guess I'll have to look at it and figure it out.
 
If I use a factory type shroud that will fit the radiator without interference from the upper and lower hoses wouldn't that be better easier. Just not sure how to mount it. Guess I'll have to look at it and figure it out.
The factory shrouds have a flat surface that lays flat on the flanges of the core on passenger n driver side. Lay the radiator engine side facing up, orient the shroud to the core. The upper portion of the shroud will have a straight area that will mate up w the upper tank. Then figure out if the mounting holes in the shroud extend beyond the the flanges or directly on the flanges. If beyond, a fender washer will be necessary to pinch the shroud to the cores flange. If directly over, drill through the flanges using the shroud holes as guides. Then hang shroud on fan and push it back towards engine making room for radiator to slide down in place. Attach radiator to core support and then attach shroud to radiator core flanges. Connect hoses back to radiator. And yes, the smooth curve inside of the factory shroud promotes better airflow at highway speeds. "Some" people have no problem w the flat metal shrouds, but the factory is "Better" plain n simple.
 
The factory shrouds have a flat surface that lays flat on the flanges of the core on passenger n driver side. Lay the radiator engine side facing up, orient the shroud to the core. The upper portion of the shroud will have a straight area that will mate up w the upper tank. Then figure out if the mounting holes in the shroud extend beyond the the flanges or directly on the flanges. If beyond, a fender washer will be necessary to pinch the shroud to the cores flange. If directly over, drill through the flanges using the shroud holes as guides. Then hang shroud on fan and push it back towards engine making room for radiator to slide down in place. Attach radiator to core support and then attach shroud to radiator core flanges. Connect hoses back to radiator. And yes, the smooth curve inside of the factory shroud promotes better airflow at highway speeds. "Some" people have no problem w the flat metal shrouds, but the factory is "Better" plain n simple.
 
What yr car, engine size and radiator width?
 
I bet it does look better w rivets, but how do you get the fan off if needed or the radiator out if needed w the shroud riveted to the radiator.

Ya, the worst part is trying the get the rivets that go into the tanks sealed up so they don't leak. It might not have been my best idea, but I've replace every bolt on the entire car with rivets and wanted to stick with my theme.

:fool:
 
I used the original fan shroud on my 74 Charger and it bolted right on to the champion 26” aluminum radiator. Steel flex fan and 180 thermostat. Temperature runs 185 regardless whether sitting in traffic, idling in the driveway or cruising. Simple and efficient. Just my opinion and experience and that’s all.
:xscuseless:

2C8945DE-B946-4C4D-9E1C-63B6CCC6D27F.jpeg 153B030E-E522-4A39-93E8-B1C087DA337F.jpeg 0BBB826A-2A53-4ADB-80CA-921EF6D0E500.jpeg 6C7A9EB5-B0CD-4F3B-98AE-C5D0C737BB62.jpeg
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top