Radiator bracket doesn't line up with frame holes?

[jangell]

I'm trying to mount my radiator after replacing the fans, but I simply can't get the bracket to line up with the holes in the frame.

Here are a few pictures. This first one shows how the bracket appears to be aligned correctly from the side:

12872

But from the top, the holes don't line up in the slightest. apologies for the poor quality. I'm pushing the bracket backwards against the frame to try to get them aligned, but as you can see only the very edge of the frames holes are visible through the brackets holes.

12873

Here a picture of the old bent bracket and the new one. There's a clear bend in the old one and it actually does line up better with the frame when I try to mount it instead.

12874

Before I bent the new bracket or widen the bracket holes with a dremel, does anyone have any tips I an try? I should also mention that the other bracket was a PITA as well, but I was finally able to secure it after much cursing. I'm tempter to sand blast and reinstall the original bracket, but I really don't want to do that.

Thanks!

-- Joe

[thirdmanj]

If you know the original bracket will work, I'd just refurb that one and put it on. But either way I'm sure you'll get the job done ok. It's always a bummer when this kind of shit happens.

[Bitsyncmaster]

My car never used those bolts on the side. Just used the two top bolts. Actually the passenger side you may want to cut that side metal off so you get clearance for the hose to the radiator.

[82DMC12]

I remember screwing with those brackets forever last time I put a radiator in. Yeah they are tough. Sorry I don't know what else to say except I've been there before and finally got it.

Andy

[Ryan King]

I had to bend my brackets. I didn't want to leave any of the holes unused. Its possible to bend and test, bend, then test.

[jangell]

Thanks everyone -- I'm glad to know I'm not the only one with this problem. I think I'm going to try bending the bracket, and if I screw it up too bad I'll just use the original one. I hope to get this done on Saturday, along with figuring out how to get the polyurethane sway bar bushings to actually fit in the lower control arms.

Thanks!

-- Joe