Radiator Support Rods

[Bob Bidonde]

I learned the hard way (idiot dues, 2024) not to crank the radiator using the two support rods to correct the hood alignment. The bracket attaching the rods to the radiator broke lose! The subject radiator is a reproduction, and like the original radiator, the bracket was soldered to the upper tank. The solder failed. Also, the bracket had some damage, so it is time to replace it. Fortunately, a new bracket is available from Synder's, and it is an excellent match of the original. A fellow Model A'er is coming over to solder-on the new bracket.
My lesson learned is that the radiator hoses need to be very lose and the rods disconnected to realign the hood. Also, drain a gallon of coolant out before loosening the hoses. The rods retain the radiator's position once it is positioned to your liking.