Local Help w/ 1997 Radiator R/R

[foeix]

Guys -

I met a few of you at the IPOR tech day in Jan - I was in there picking up my truck. I was wondering if there was any one that would be willing to give me a hand in getting my radiator removed and replaced. I have my radiator on order.

My 80 is my DD and IPOR can't help me out for a few weeks. I don't have a proper garage or tools so I was hoping I could pay someone for their time, space and expertise to help guide me through the process. It seems like 4 hours is a reasonable time for a proper R/R.

Any takers? Thanks in advance.

- David

 

[SAS]

David, hey, good to see you on the forum.

What day do you have in mind? Weekends are getting scarce this month; we have the tech day on the 19th, then the breakfast / trail ride on the 26th.

The 21st is a holiday for some...do you have Monday the 21st off?

Tracy

 

[foeix]

Hi Tracy -

Thanks for the follow up - it was nice to meet you at IPOR. I will actually be out of town on the 21st.

I have decided to use DIY Garage (Northern Virginia Automobile Repair Shop | Fairfax DIY Auto Repair | Loudoun Do It Yourself Repair Center) in Sterling for the R/R. It seems like a good option with a warm shop, good tools and mechanics on staff for help.

I need to come out and meet more of you guys - I will try and make the March meeting.

David

 

[Von Hayek]

I just had to replace the radiator in my '95 and I have one suggestion that is not mentioned in the factory service manual -- take the headlights out to access the top bolts that hold the radiator in. I could not figure a way to get at them. Otherwise, perhaps a universal joint? Others my have better suggestions.


Bart

 

[jmvar]

I got mine out without removing the headlights by using a 1/4" drive extension with a u-joint. In hindsight I would just remove the headlights. It will make it so much easier.

There are some funny nuts and washers and a rubber grommet in there. Make sure you don't loose any of those because you will need to reuse. Get those snug or you'll get a squeek from the front end.

Do a little reading in the 80 section to prep yourself. You may also want to start spraying the bolts with PB plaster depending on where your truck has lived it's life (salt -vs- no salt on roads).

Be very careful with that shiny new radiator, those fins bend very easily. It's not the end of the world if you bend some but always better to take your time and be careful with it.

If you already knew all this please disregard my dumb post.