A couple of things I noticed about installing a rad on my '81.

Check fit of fan shroud fasteners (to rad) before installing. My '85
fasteners (from orig. all metal rad) didn't fit my new Behr with
plastic tanks. I felt these too large fasteners might've *possibly*
stress-cracked the plastic. Possibly the holes are made too small so
new fasteners have something to "bite" into, but I felt the '85 screws
were too big for the new rad. *** I was swapping  parts around from
year to year, so issue may have been unique to my engine conversion
***

The fins are fragile. If doing it solo, consider protecting the front
fins with a piece of cardboard. I installed the rad/fan as a unit, w/o
a temporary support. It was a little unweildy. I didn't damage
anything, but came close. I don't *think* the cardboard would get in
the way, but something to consider. i.e. can it (likely yes) be
removed after rad in place?

If you lose a clip nut, they should be at your FLAPS. I got my Behr
rad at Calfornia Imports. For sure, supporting the rad is a good idea.
Regardless, and especially if you choose to do it solo and/or w/o this
support, have your lower bracket/fasteners ready and laid out
correctly so you can put them in more easily.

Neil.

On Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 10:58 PM, Shawn Clark <shawnclark77@yahoo.com> wrote:
> I'm going to be replacing my radiator in the next couple of days.
> Does anybody have any tips or tricks to make the task go easier?
>
> thanks
> shawn clark
> 84 westy "ishmael" with a subaru heart.
>

--
Neil Nicholson '81 JettaWesty "Jaco
http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/