Radiator support bracket

[tommyleea]

This is on my 53 Ranchwagon. What is the purpose of the radiator support bracket bolt and spring that is on the bottom? Is is for movement, and how tight do you tighten it? Thanks..

[19Fordy]

I don't have a 53 Ford but, believe that bolt and spring is used to absorb vibration and slight radiator movement encountered when driving. It's like a shock absorber. I would just tighten it enough to compress the spring so that the threaded portion of the retaining nut is fully engaged and the spring is compressed just a little. You don't want to compress the spring too much or it will then be useless.

[ford38v8]

Frame and body panels are forgiving under torque twist, radiator forgives nothing. Fuel tank is mounted similarly for the same reason.

[tommyleea]

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Originally Posted by 19Fordy

I don't have a 53 Ford but, believe that bolt and spring is used to absorb vibration and slight radiator movement encountered when driving. It's like a shock absorber. I would just tighten it enough to compress the spring so that the threaded portion of the retaining nut is fully engaged and the spring is compressed just a little. You don't want to compress the spring too much or it will then be useless.

Got it..Thanks

Originally Posted by ford38v8

Frame and body panels are forgiving under torque twist, radiator forgives nothing. Fuel tank is mounted similarly for the same reason.

Copy..Thanks..