2G Radiator Support Replacement How To?

[rhodes2010]

I was surprised that there is no HOW-TO on replacing the radiator support. There were about 5 posts asking about it, but none showing it.

Last time I cut a junkyard upper support from a donor 420A model and used the upper part in my GSX Turbo model. But doing the whole support looks like you have to be sure and get the correct part number and I think that is because the 420A version has the lower engine support mounting bolts in a different place then the turbo models. So I will source one on a website and go this route this time.

Another thread/post covers us repairing the front end after a collision in 2010, and I am doing the same repair now in 2015 (almost same). This time we decided a whole radiator support would be a faster easier way to get a good alignment of the headlights and hood.

So over the next few weeks I will document the drilling out welds and replacing the support and welding it back in.

Anyone who has done this, please respond/post what you can add to this.

 

[NHerron]

Please, please keep this updated. I am working on something involving two pusher fans, hood latch delete and keeping the crash bumper+condensor. I got a bit ahead of myself with redesigning the rad/bumper support and with my limited body/frame experience, I could use some inspiration. Haven't worked on it for a while now.

 

[sethkirk_2005]

Anything new? I was having fitment issues and found out my car was hit and it bent up my headlight support.

 

[shawncoombs21]

I have a 99 Eclipse RS. I ran under the back of a car, 2 cars locked up brakes with wet road I couldn't stop, and tore up front end. I got an estimate of $200 to replace my core support. I thought this price was a bargain.

I'm a newbie here, but does this sound like a bargain? He also said that he'd replace the hood and it'd be included for the $200.

 

[SrKegler]

$200 is a great price, especially with him replacing the hood. Almost too good, make sure it's not a scam where he takes the money upfront to get "parts" and never shows up again.

 

[shawncoombs21]

The $200 is labor. I've already bought the core support and junkyard hood. It sure looks like a lot of work and I don't have a welder.

 

[Galipso]

can anyone provide pics?

 

[boostedNTmotor]

Core support replacement on these cars isn't as easy as it seems. You'd have to drill out all the spot welds. Clean. Prep. Straighten everything that's bent. And spot weld everything back together. $200 in labor is awesome.

 

[shawncoombs21]

Core support replacement on these cars isn't as easy as it seems. You'd have to drill out all the spot welds. Clean. Prep. Straighten everything that's bent. And spot weld everything back together. $200 in labor is awesome.

It's way over my head! $200 seems like a bargain to me.

 

[KentStateTsi]

$200 is a steal. Don't use a regular bit and go through both sheets of metal. You need a broach or spot weld cutter so you only cut the core support metal. That will give you a backing to start a weld puddle on instead of trying to fill a 3/8" hole.

 

[shawncoombs21]

$200 is a steal. Don't use a regular bit and go through both sheets of metal. You need a broach or spot weld cutter so you only cut the core support metal. That will give you a backing to start a weld puddle on instead of trying to fill a 3/8" hole.

Thanks! I am saving this to show the guy that's doing the work. Any other tips would be greatly appreciated. Not sure how good this guy is, but he told me he has replaced core supports that were welded before. I'm hoping and praying that he does a good job.