Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

What is the trick to getting the radiator out of a 1950 Packard Sedan? The top intake nozzle wants to hit the bar over the top of the radiator. How do I pull the old one out and install a new one without taking apart the entire front end of the car?

This might be one of the models where you do take off the whole front clip. Example from just a day or two ago:packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb ... 9058&post_id=280238#forumpost280238

Removing a whole front clip is not actually too terrible and IMHO is less of a problem than the cost to recore one of these unfortunately.

I believe the removing front clip approach is the correct method but there have also been some that cut the top of the cradle off fairly high on each side to remove the radiator. The top is either welded back to make it one piece again or some took the time to fabricate tabs that would go on each side cut end and be welded or permanently bolted on. You could choose to permanently mount the tabs on top or bottom side so the removing bolts were easiest to reach.

If you attempt this, ideally the brackets would be hidden on the inside next to the radiator but you do need to verify spacing for thickness of tabs and any bolts or nuts as some cores come close to the cradle. If the radiator is too large the tabs might need to be on the outside and visible. Make the tabs long enough so they would both act as a guide and a secure attachment that would slide a few inches on each cradle part to stabilize the joints. Position the cut so the bolt heads removed to lift the top off are easily accessible from the sides of the cradle. If the tabs are on the inside, drill and tap the tabs so short bolts will thread into the tapped holes on both tabs. This method also allows the top to be removed and rebolted to the bottom half again should it prove necessary to remove the radiator in the future.