Tips for radiator reinstallation

[VANVAN64]

Hello all,

I have recently removed my radiator because it was leaking. As I was expecting after reading about it here, it is a surgical operation. I am now looking for any advice/ tips on how to put it back. I remember reading once someone had removed a bit of copper from the radiator to make the fit easier but I cannot find it. I am dredging the operation so any help on strategy will be welcomed.

Thank you ,

Ivan

[citizen smith]

Afraid to say that it's back breaking operation of doing the same in reverse - no easy fix.
I've done it once and would never do it again!

[LostCockney]

I have replaced mine twice and as already stated , it is a back breaking pig of a job. My only advice is take your time and make sure you have removed as many bits ( Header tank / removed alarm / coolant pipes / induction pipes etc ) to allow as much space as possible to slide the new radiator in .
As it is very tight fit , I also used a foam lagging tube for household pipes ( cut from one end to the other ) and pushed this over the bodywork edge ( above the TVR Badge ) to help protect the paintwork and used numerous rags , wrapped around vulnerable chassis tubes / bodywork to avoid damage.
I would also recommend changing the air filter ( assuming you have a standard one ) whilst the radiator is out as it is a lot easier to do it at this stage . As it happens I am also replacing the radiator in my Griff at the moment , but this is being done by Central TVR. The steel radiators seem to have a life span of about 7 years so I am trying an alloy radiator this time.
Good luck and if you start getting annoyed and fed up , count to 10 , grab a coffee , take a break and think of the day when your Griff is finished .

[Pagey430]

also may be worth checking that the radiator sits flat in the mounting frame if that make sense. My frame is slightly twisted so when tightening the retaining nuts down it was causing the rad to twist. A few spacer washers later and it was fine, hope of some help

[VANVAN64]

Thank you for all your explanations of installing the radiator, all your advice really made the task easier for me.