[MD79TA]

Here are two pictures. One is the kit Ames sent me. The other is a picture of the original mount flange with nut built in. Did they send me the correct kit or is this for other year? I thought I would get two bolts and bushing with no nuts since they are part of that mount? Any one have a diagram of how it goes together . For my 68 GTO. Post on 68/69 tech section also Doug

[mrennie]

The plate with integral nut is original, the replacement bushing kits come with just a nut and lockwasher as that is cheaper and generic.

I didn't want to screw around with trying to get the nuts installed and my original plates were rotten, so I made my own plates out of 1/8" steel and just welded the nuts on.

I have a 70 (and may be different than 68), but on mine, starting at the bottom, you have the bolt, then large washer, then bushing with sleeve, then insert all that into the rad support from the bottom, then above you install the other half of bushing, then the other large washer, then that goes up against the bottom of the frame horn and the bolt is tightened into the nut plate inside the frame.

[MD79TA]

My problem is once I get all that on I don't think the bolt is long enough . The flange that I have is good and will clean up I also have the other. Can't find original bolts now but thought they were much longer. GM must have used that flange nut for a reason . Don't think you can get at it it after all parts are installed ?

[mrennie]

The way the rad support is installed around the frame horn, you can get at the nut OK with a wrench but it just make adjustment of the support more of a PITA since you need 2 hands to deal with the fasteners while trying to move or hold the support.

I suspect the bolt length should be the same for 68-70 since the aftermarket rad support is the same part #. I just measured my bolts from the replacement bushing kit I have and they are 3" long, which is enough length to get through the bushings and well through the plate/nut.

[MD79TA]

Ok thanks for feedback on that . I'm a week away from putting in but just wanted to be ready . Maybe I will just go out and get a couple bolt and use the original flange nut combo. The bolts both broke off but did get them out of flange. Thanks for help Doug

[MD79TA]

So, I have an issue with my core support bushing holes.









I think the holes are rusted out and now the bushing presses through the core support when tightened. Other than a new core support, what are my options?

[Verdoro 68]

I welded in a patch on mine and cut a new hole.

[MD79TA]

That's what I was thinking or a large washer welded over hole but drilled out big enough for bushing sleeve to fit in. That's the only rust on whole support this must be fairly common ? I'm thinking water just collects at rubber bushing and rust it out. Surprised no kit to fix. Doug

[MD79TA]

Does anyone have picture of the supports and how they should be condition wise? Really looking for picture of holes on bottom. I think it goes bolt large washer bushing with sleeve from bottom through core support then other bushing washer and bolt? I hoping someone can tell me that's correct or what is . Thanks Doug

[Verdoro 68]

Sounds about right for the order.

I believe the original holes were oblong to allow for side to side adjustment. When fixed mine, I measured carefully and used a hole saw to recut the holes. I might have a diagram somewhere in the '69 assembly manual.

[Gtozy]

Make a patch, hole saw it to suit bushing, and assemble per mrennie picture posted earlier which is correct.

[MD79TA]

Thanks guys for support. Just one last question is the hole size? Should it be just big enough for that sleeve to fit or a little bigger to allow adjustment side to side ? Thanks again and will weld in tomorrow . Doug

[mrennie]

Here are some pics from my afternarket rad support. The hole is 1".

[Shiny]

Originally Posted by Verdoro 68

Sounds about right for the order.

I believe the original holes were oblong to allow for side to side adjustment. When fixed mine, I measured carefully and used a hole saw to recut the holes. I might have a diagram somewhere in the '69 assembly manual.

I also think the holes are oblong to allow adjustment. Pic of my old one from 70 LeMans shows the shape, even with the rust damage.

[MD79TA]

Makes sense because I don't think once that sleeve is in the one inch hole you can move it side to side. It will fit snug, The original had no sleeve so you could move because of just the bolt going through that hole? Make sense? I think ? Maybe ? I might be putting to much thought into this . Doug

[Shiny]

Sure it makes sense. You're not overthinking, you're planning ahead!