DIAGONAL BRACE SET-RADiator SUPPORT - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GeorgeLeonard · 09-02-2011, 08:38 PM

I worked on my front clip today and found that both diagonal braces were broken. I didnt even know it until I started taking things apart. My question is: Are these things even necessary? There must have been some stress on them because they were broken. How do you get behind the rivets- by taking the radiator out, I suppose? Can I use other holes? Is there another way to fix it? Can I leave the braces off and not worry about it? They are kind of flimsy looking but Im guessing that they wouldnt be there if they werent needed. Right?

brokenspoke · 09-02-2011, 08:55 PM

If they were not necessary GM would have not used them.....yes they are needed to keep core support square

GeorgeLeonard · 09-02-2011, 09:22 PM

Okaaaay.....so what happens if my core support is not kept square? As I said in my post, I didnt even know they were broken until I started taking things apart. I bet a lot of people are driving around with broken braces without knowing it.

brokenspoke · 09-04-2011, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeLeonard

Okaaaay.....so what happens if my core support is not kept square? As I said in my post, I didnt even know they were broken until I started taking things apart. I bet a lot of people are driving around with broken braces without knowing it.

I wonder what caused them to break?

**aerotruk63** · 09-02-2011, 10:02 PM

They removed them for A/C condenser installation originally. I guess the condenser stabilized the rad support.

brokenspoke · 09-03-2011, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aerotruk63

They removed them for A/C condenser installation originally. I guess the condenser stabilized the rad support.

My 65 has factory air and the cross brace was still attached....

**Captainfab** · 09-04-2011, 12:49 AM

I've not had those braces on any of my trucks over the years, and have not had any issues as a result. I think they might be a good idea if the truck was being used hard, as these trucks were originally intended to be used. More so on a 4x4.

samuellg1977 · 09-02-2011, 10:03 PM

I guess i should replace mine then, huh? They were were cut when i got the truck. I just tore out the pieces a couple weeks ago. (all the while thinking "Man, this really cleans things up in here!" Haha...

LT1 Burb · 09-03-2011, 01:07 AM

Mine have never been on my truck since I bought it and I have never even thought about it. It was only recently that I even realized they were supposed to be there so I wouldn't worry about it.

dthela · 09-04-2011, 08:23 AM

if they are missing the stress is taken by the radiator to keep it square, not a good alternative!

awbrown · 09-04-2011, 08:30 AM

my radiator is mounted in rubber to the frame , and I am installing AC so if they are in the way , they won't be soon...........

padresag · 09-04-2011, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awbrown

my radiator is mounted in rubber to the frame , and I am installing AC so if they are in the way , they won't be soon...........

and everything else on that frt end pretty well mounts or attaches to that rad support, which most attach to the main body. s
ron

09-02-2011, 08:38 PM	#1
GeorgeLeonard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Northwest, NJ Posts: 195	DIAGONAL BRACE SET-RADiator SUPPORT I worked on my front clip today and found that both diagonal braces were broken. I didnt even know it until I started taking things apart. My question is: Are these things even necessary? There must have been some stress on them because they were broken. How do you get behind the rivets- by taking the radiator out, I suppose? Can I use other holes? Is there another way to fix it? Can I leave the braces off and not worry about it? They are kind of flimsy looking but Im guessing that they wouldnt be there if they werent needed. Right? Attached Images

09-02-2011, 08:55 PM	#2
brokenspoke Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Anderson, Texas Posts: 535	Re: DIAGONAL BRACE SET-RADiator SUPPORT If they were not necessary GM would have not used them.....yes they are needed to keep core support square

09-02-2011, 09:22 PM	#3
GeorgeLeonard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Northwest, NJ Posts: 195	Re: DIAGONAL BRACE SET-RADiator SUPPORT Okaaaay.....so what happens if my core support is not kept square? As I said in my post, I didnt even know they were broken until I started taking things apart. I bet a lot of people are driving around with broken braces without knowing it.

09-02-2011, 10:02 PM	#5
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: DIAGONAL BRACE SET-RADiator SUPPORT They removed them for A/C condenser installation originally. I guess the condenser stabilized the rad support. __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1

09-04-2011, 12:49 AM	#7
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: DIAGONAL BRACE SET-RADiator SUPPORT I've not had those braces on any of my trucks over the years, and have not had any issues as a result. I think they might be a good idea if the truck was being used hard, as these trucks were originally intended to be used. More so on a 4x4. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

09-02-2011, 10:03 PM	#8
samuellg1977 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Oak Grove, Kentucky Posts: 226	Re: DIAGONAL BRACE SET-RADiator SUPPORT I guess i should replace mine then, huh? They were were cut when i got the truck. I just tore out the pieces a couple weeks ago. (all the while thinking "Man, this really cleans things up in here!" Haha...

09-03-2011, 01:07 AM	#9
LT1 Burb Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Winchester Oregon, formerly Vancouver BC Posts: 2,949	Re: DIAGONAL BRACE SET-RADiator SUPPORT Mine have never been on my truck since I bought it and I have never even thought about it. It was only recently that I even realized they were supposed to be there so I wouldn't worry about it.

09-04-2011, 08:23 AM	#10
dthela Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: N Kingstown, R.I. Posts: 305	Re: DIAGONAL BRACE SET-RADiator SUPPORT if they are missing the stress is taken by the radiator to keep it square, not a good alternative!

09-04-2011, 08:30 AM	#11
awbrown Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Detroit MI Posts: 1,209	Re: DIAGONAL BRACE SET-RADiator SUPPORT my radiator is mounted in rubber to the frame , and I am installing AC so if they are in the way , they won't be soon...........

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