Thread: 32 Grill Shell Mounting

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I am running an AFCO in my 32. I had one problem. The tabs at the top that receive the radiator support rods from the firewall failed twice. The first time at the vertical bend (about 200 miles) and the second time at the tank (about 500 miles). I fabricated a stronger tab from square aluminum tubing and a friend welded it on (4,000 miles a still going). Given the description of your project I would consider Dan Fink or Hagen hood hinges. They attach to the cowel and to the grille shell or radiator and provide good support. When I was mounting my grille shell I had a devil of a time getting the tabs on the AFCO radiator to line up right. No matter how hard I tried I could not get the shell to properly cover the radiator. Finally I welded two lengths of 1/4" by 1" aluminum strap to the tabs. You can just see them in the attached photo. The AFCO radiator really cools the roadster. 180 on the road. In traffic the fan comes on at 210 and the temp drops back to 180 fast. I have the optional integral fan shroud. It is a very nice set up. I was going to pull the radiator this past winter and have it (the tanks and sides) and the fan shroud powder coated black. But spring is here all of the sudden and I guess I am going to put that project off.

Friend is running an AFCO in his Model A with a 32 grille shell. He had the same problem. His solution was to use the side metal from a scab stock tank. The bottoms are held in place by the original mount bolt and the tops are, well, I never looked that close.

So your problem is not unique.