OK guys I don't have an assembly manual as I have not required any body/chassis work till now. Simple question I think....

I removed the radiator support and bushings several months ago. The bushings were severly degraded and I did not take pictures or make a mental note of the parts as I disassembled (my bad). I purchased a new set of bushings but am not sure exactly how they are installed. I received the following parts (assume we are discussing only one for simplicity):
1) Rubber bushing with collar
2) Metal washer with collar
3) Rubber bushing (thinner than first) no collar
4) Metal washer without collar
5) Steel sleeve
5) Two large washers
6) Bolt, Lockwasher, and Nut

I assume the assembly is as follows:
* Bolt
* Large washer
* Bushing without collar
* Metal washer without collar
********** Radiator Support ***********
* Metal washer with collar
* Bushing with collar (through hole in support)
* Metal sleeve through both bushings and washers
*********** frame **************
* Large washer
* Lock Washer & Nut

I have two issues I am concerned about.
1) The radiator support is, without these bushings, approx 1" above frame. So as I assemble, as per above, and begin to tighten bolts it is pulling the fenders in and down. Is this correct????
2) The holes in the frame are much larger than the bolt and thus will allow much slop for alignment purposes. Do I need to wait until the remaining parts (grill, lights, bumper) are installed before tightening to achieve proper alignment.

Thanks in advance.


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Paul
'66 Red SS 396 360HP L34

Desert Sun, Your in luck, I just did mine last night. The metal sleeve goes through the frame,then the thin metal washer, then the rubber bushing with the step pointing upward, then put your Rad support on, then the Thin metal washer without lip goes on, then with bolt and washer running up through the frame, then add other large wahser and lock washer then nut. I still have the instruction that came with mine. I'll double check it tonight and tell you if it's different. As far as the fender pulling down, I don't have front fenders on yet. Hope this helps.

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Kevin (Slappy) Wiggins
1966 Malibu still under constuction

Paul. This is what I did.

I mounted radiator support loosely. Then I mounted the fenders and hood to achieve proper alignment of those. Secured all bolts.
Then I mounted the inner fenders as well as the headlight units and the valance panel. At this point I turned all the nuts and bolts, including radiator support but kept the upper bolts (to the fenders) till last.

The radiator support has 2 notches, each just beside the frame rails. They are meant to leave room for the BUMPER supports, but without much play. You can use these as a basis for the alignment of the support (if your frame is straight of course).

Hope this helps

Rob


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www.si.hhs.nl/~rob (http://www.si.hhs.nl/~rob)

[This message has been edited by rusty66 (edited 02-27-2002).]

I almost followed you Wiggins but I lost a bushing in your description....
I was also quite sure the bolt was installed from the top with the nut being under the frame. The real question is where do the 2 rubber bushings go? I think the thin one is on top of the radiator support and the thicker one, with the shoulder (collar) goes under the rad support with the shoulder (collar) pointing up into the rad support. This would yield a gap equal to the thickness of the shouldered bushing minus some compression during torquing. The large hole in the frame is used for maximum alignment capability?! with the large washer used to secure it in it's proper position.

Rusty thanks for the input. I did not remove the fenders at any time. I did remove the hood, rad support, valance, headlights etc.... Yes the fenders were protruding with minimal support for a bit. When I removed the rad support I do not remember the fenders moving or being pulled. I will try your suggested order of assembly and see how it comes out....

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Paul
'66 Red SS 396 360HP L34

Oh and the steel sleeve is used to control the amount of compression on the bushings......

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Paul
'66 Red SS 396 360HP L34