I am reassembling my truck, i put radiator and front fenders on at measurements (factory measurements) and my fan is smack up against the radiator, if i pull fenders back to get at least 1" clearance for fan then the hood doesn"t fit. Any clues? I've never done this before and i;m hoping it is something simple that i missed. Eng is mounted correctly, radiator, fender braces etc. Any ideas would be a help. Thanks.
Randy, Scroll down the current list of topics to "Old Chebby's" How to assemble an AD, pages 1-5. It is one of the best documented assemblies going. It should answer this and many more questions. Don't get too flustered...save a little for when you get to fitting the doors!!! Flashlight
Randy, welcome to the world of "Why doesn't this &^#$%^ fit?"! Question for you. What engine are you putting in the truck? If the standard 216, then it shouldn't be a problem. However, if it's a later model 235, then it could be the water pump (don't ask me how I know) If it's a later model 235, it's probably a long shaft waterpump that is giving you the clearance problem. Simple fix. Get a short shaft water pump and you're good to go! Remember 2 things! You're in charge of this project! Don't let it overwhelm you! If you start feeling frustrated, step away and clear your head. Secondly, if you get stumped, post a question here. We've all been there, done that, got the busted knuckles to prove it! Post some pictures too! We love pictures!
Thanks for the props, flashlight. Make shure you didn't mount the radiator on the wrong side of the support. If it is a 235, you need the short water pump. I am ordering one fron Patrick's for the 53. Also make SHURE to use the fan from the 235 as they spin faster and apparently the 216 fan is know to self destruct on a 235......must be all that raw horsepower.
Fan Clearance My '49 Has a late 235 and only 1/4" clearance to the radiator . That's all you need . FWIW , the water pump pulley off a big block (390) brand 'F' from the 60's or 70's , fits and works best on the short shaft water pumps . Any time you have a steel fan off and in your hands , inspect it closely for tiny hairline cracks near the bolt holes .
Fan Clearance There is very little clearance on a 235 in an AD. I changed my first radiator in a 53 that had been changed out to a 235 at age 12. I backed up in a corn field and a corn stalk pushed the fan blade into the radiator. Dad bought one from a junk yard and made me put it in without help. Told me to put it on just like it came off. Dad straightened the fan with a few good whacks with a hammer. When I got it back together, he ask if I had any pieces left over. I didnt so he checked it out. Dads make your kids do some of this stuff by their self & they will grow up beliveing they they can do anyting.
thank you, I'm putting original 216 in, original radiator,fan etc. I did replace water pump..now checking to see if I have correct one. when i figure out how to post pictures, I will. I'm a 56 year old non-computer geek!
49 chev fan problem Thanks for the advice, mine is the original 216,radiator, etc. I did replace the water pump , and now am making sure I have the correct one. I did measure other trucks with the 216 and it seems to be the correct one. I can"t go on till I get this solved. Thanks again.
