installing a champion 3 row radiator... it soon became apparent the holes don't line up in height (without hitting the petcock drain) or in width... it's 1/2 too short. Is everyone drilling new holes 1/2" lower and cutting material out to the edge to make it fit? I've penciled in where I think the new holes should go.... I did a search and it looks like notching the cross member is also done?
Yep you can notch the crossmember and it will fit fine. You will have to drain from the Lower hose though. Also I hope you will be running an electric fan, could just be my car but running a flex with this same radiator I have been having the temp rise slowly higher than I would like with idling.
I notched my frame CrossX and I drain from the petcock -- it's a slow drain but, I prefer this, than removing hose. Usually I am in no hurry and don't mind the slow process -- don't drain it enough to be a problem. I cud drain it fast, but, don't want coolant running along frame and dripping everywhere - like to catch it in mostly one place.... I run a Flex-A-Lite 16in. elec. fan and Derale controller... I don't recall having to drill any holes in the support...
The first one I installed on my 72 I didnt have to drill new holes but did have the petcock issue, the second one I installed on the 76 I had to drill a couple new holes but did not have the petcock issues. Who knows could be a quality control issue with the radiators or one with the cars not that big of a deal
I wish they still made them with the corners at the top angled. My car still runs a little warm with the stock fan and shroud an electric fan upgrade is on to do list
I had them take a square cornered one and angle the corners for me... they also installed a port for my steam tubes on my LS heads...
the one I bought and installed one 2 years ago, was made for the Maverick but is about an 1" or more too narrow, I also had to notch the cross member and the petcock is o so close. I bought a aluminum flat bar to extend the left side. if you center it in the opening of the support the radiator will be off center with the car not sure on the Comet
I lined up the old radiator to the new and traced the mounting holes onto the new one and cut new slots...the width just barely made it. Drain valve just clears by a hair... same with the width for fan shrowd. Beer time!
