69 Upper Radiator Support Repair

[69-beeper]

How would you go about straightening the upper rad support? I don’t see any creases, just bent and wavy. I’d hate to have to replace it if it can be straightened.

Any suggestions?

 

[eldubb440]

the metal is stretched....... hammer and dolly it straight, cut slices on the upper and lower lip in places where the metal wants to bunch up..... once straight, remove any excess metal and weld it up

 

[dadsbee]

Hammer and dolly, possibly some heat and quick cool shrink technique and possibly some shrinker work..... and then don't hang the engine up on it when it's going back in. How it got bent in the first place..

 

[69-beeper]

Appreciate the info! At least it sounds like it can be saved. Ive never really done much body work as I’ve always been on the wrenching side things. So I will try and learn a little bit on how to correctly straighten with hammer and dolly. I’ve seen folks use these in the past, and the heat shrink technique as well, it’s just been many many years ago. I do have a torch however *evilgrin*

 

[zyzzyx]

Cut it with a cut off wheel and replace it with a piece from a donor car. Mig or TIG it
in place and make sure you keep the measurement between the two hood bumper
stands correct! Take this measurement off of a good car that is together. You'll
never get it straight by beating it around. I had to do this once because a guy
cut it out with a hacksaw so he could pull the engine easier.

 

[69-beeper]

I guess that’s an an option. I was trying to keep it original. I haven’t seen the partial vin on it yet so I’m not sure where it’s located. It would be nice if I could keep it.

But if that don’t work, I wonder if there’s enough straight area to salvage off of this one?

 

[69 GTX]

Might be worth seeing if AMD makes them, I would think it would be way faster to just replace the whole thing.

 

[hunt2elk]

And save the #'s on your support. They will either be on the top, possibly under the yellow radiator sticker, or on the back side drivers side of center.

 

[zyzzyx]

It should be either on top of, or around back facing the engine compartment.

 

[eldubb440]

should have posted that pic first....... lol yeah, replace it

 

[69-beeper]

should have posted that pic first....... lol yeah, replace it

That is a picture of of a different RR. It’s was totaled in the 70s. Weather hasn’t been kind to it and it’s basically a parts car. The RR in first pic is the darker F8 Ivy Green.