Drilling into the Radiator
 

As the title implies, can this be done? Obviously the end-tanks need to remain intact and sealed to hold pressure.

I'm asking more about the top panel above the tubes and fins. My fan shroud setup has an annoyingly stupid looking strap setup to hold it into place. I'd love to have something much better looking, and using the top cap of the radiator would make that much more functional and better looking.

I've seen people do it and guess the top plate isn't necessarily sealing the fluid, but I've always been worried about it.

I have a cold case, just in case it matters.

What say the experts on this? Can I use some small screws in the top of the radiator for this purpose?

Pics would help. What is the width and thickness of the top panel. Sorry, not familiar with birds.

Pictures of the annoyance?

On the old brass radiators often, there was a tin U shaped channel soldered between the tanks for stiffness. If that's what you're talking about I guess 2 holes wouldn't affect the integrity, but you better not be pushing hard when you drill the holes.

I saw a guy doing this with a brand-new radiator on a stock car and drilled right into the core tubes. The guy that owned the race car was less than pleased. Luckily the guy that owned a radiator shop was a friend of mine, and soldered it shut for N/C.

:2cents:

The box on top of the core is hollow. So no fluid in it. However they have the best customer support of any company out there. The tech guys run there products and are happy to talk shop.

Here’s a picture of the engine bay. You can see the straps that hold the upper fan.

They are just unsightly.

So it sounds like that top u-channel might be okay?

Attachment 640093

Dont they make trim/mounting panels for use with electric fans? Or Ive seen the fans mounted to teh radiator itself without any additional brackets like in your pic... doesnt cold case offer a set up like that? I know other companies have a set up to mount the fans to the radiator without external straps or brackets.

Does the stock shroud not fit or are you using electric fans? Mine is also a Cold Case and you can see where the top panel is only tack welded to the tank it's not a complete weld. I would think you're safe to use a short screw but need to be very careful not to go to far. Less than a 1/2" . I would also remove the stock bracket if you're not using it. You could all so call the manufacturer and see if they can answer for sure.

I'm using a Flex-A-Lite fan with an integrated shroud.

I just saw this on summit racings website. You can see where this guy ran screws in to the side of the top cap. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/RAD-CHC11

Thanks that's helpful. I'm going to give cold case a ring as suggested.

I recently did what you are asking about.

The aftermarket shroud, stock type replacement radiator and fresh engine would not align so I fit the shroud to the fan, then drilled two holes into top of radiator and attached shroud with some very short screws. The top of this particular radiator is a structural brace/shield and is not part of the coolant system. Engine has been broken in and had no issues from this.

I did speak with Cold Case directly and as mentioned here above, you can in fact drill into the U channel which is hollow. So, I'll be doing that.

I feel like Ive seen Dulchich do it on Roadkill Garage a ton of times, but Ive always had the same anxiety about it you do.

I had a formed plate made for mine, grabbing the tops of the end tanks.
It looks like you could get away with a nice flat plate with cutouts for the latch.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...5&d=1451712356

I just drilled into my cold case radiator to mount my electric fans. Kinda's scary to hack up a new $400 radiator but so far no leaks. We will see tomorrow when I drive the car.