Kurt:
I don't believe there is a difference between 6 & 8 cyl radiator supports.
All the
parts catalogs I've reviewed don't say anything about a 6 or 8 cyl so I would
assume the same support is used regardless of the engine. However, there
IS a difference between TF model years. 55, 56 and 57 use the same support,
while 58 and 59 model years use a different support.
I wouldn't cut the X brace as I believe it provides good support to the front
sheet metal structure (especially the grill). A few years ago when I had all
the front sheetmetal off my truck, I noticed how flimsy everything was
without the radiator support installed and I'm sure the X brace is a critical
part of the support.
I'm also curious about the problems you're having with the 'sure-fit' system.
I'm considering (probably not this year) installing A/C in my 56, but decided
against the 'sure-fit' as I have none of the original controls in the dash and
want the solenoid operated system (Gen II). I called Vintage Air and found
that they make a Gen II system for the AD trucks (48 to 55 1st), and are
planning to do the same in the next year for the TF series trucks (we'll
see).
I went ahead and priced a Gen II system with some of the parts being from
the Sure-Fit system (condenser and dryer). Hence the interest in how
many problems you're having with your install.
If possible, I'd encourage you to write something up when your finished and
send it to Wayne so he can post on the tech section of the website. It would
be very helpful to those of us planning to do an A/C install in the future.
Good luck, and keep the list posted as to your problems and progress.
Carl Ham
'56 Chevy Stepside Pickup
Hopewell, IL> From: kjohlgren@hotmail.com> To: oletrucks@autox.team.net;
old-chevy-truck@yahoogroups.com> Subject: [oletrucks] 55-59 radiator support>
Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:42:23 +0000> > what can you tell me about the
differences to the radiator support between a 6> cyl and V8 for a 58-59 truck?
is it different on the 55-57? i've owned a 56> gmc and 5 58-59 3100 in my
life. i know the 56 was different from the later> yrs due to the inclusion of
that extra sexy pair of headlights, but i thought> the 6 & v8 for each year
had the same radiator support and radiator location.> it's also my experience
that all 55-59 radiators were the same mount.> > the reason i am asking is
that i am having problems installing a vintage air> surefit condensor/dryer on
my truck. the surefit (ya gotta love that name)> condensor brackets don't
match the radiator holes that they are supposed to.> the hard lines thru the
core support hit the big X-brace on the radiator> support (vintage air
recomended that i cut out the X) also the hard line to> the dryer would mount
the dryer in the wheel well outside of the inner fender.> no i'm not cutting
out the X, nor will i mount the dryer in the wheel> well.Kurt 58 3100 Apache
project the "Duracell Project" it keeps going... and> going...When I die, i
want to go asleep and peaceful, not screaming and> freaking out like everyone
else in the car.>
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