Technical How to mount a hood hinge bracket on a 1934 ford

Just bought a new Griffin Radiator for my 1934 Ford Coupe .On top of the radiator there are two holes where the front hood hinge should screw into,but there are no threads and the aluminum looks too thin to tap.The radiator is a 7-70082. Anyone had the same problem? Appreciate any info on how to make it work.Thanks,Joe.

 

Maybe a call to Griffin could get you and accurate answer? Not trying to be a smartazz, but, that's what I would do.

 

They seemed to not have an answer.

 

Are the holes open so you can get a nut underneath?

 

I had one in a '32 pickup a few years ago. I recall putting a steel plate under the bracket (duct taped) for fear of running the screws into the top tank. Don't recall about the threads but should be easy enough to thread with a bottom tap. Sure seems like Griffin shoulda had an answer however!!! Tim

 

The two holes are blind,cant get underneath to use nuts,and as far as tapping them, the aluminum is only about 1/16 inch thick.

 

Is it possible to use a "J" nut?

 

Great idea but the grill shell sits on top of the raised area that has the two holes for mounting,and only have 1/4 inch of depth to work with. underneath the holes.

 

So, your saying that Griffin builds a radiator for a 34 Ford, but they have no idea how the hood hinge is supposed to mount? Really? Who engineered that cluster?

 

Tell them your answer; "I'm returning it for a refund and then I'm buying a Walker". Seriously, for what a new radiator costs ($700 ?), you shouldn't have to tap or fab anything or have to look outside the manufacturer for some simple tech help.

 

Have a Griffin on my 34. Not possible to use J clips or a backing plates. You cannot tap the holes either. I simply used self tapping fine tread machine screws with stainless flat washers to distribute the fastening load. Check the length of bolts carefully as the bracket is very close to the top tank. Have had no problems at all in three years of use.

 

Appreciate the info,its probably the only way to solve the problem.

 

aren't they supposed to be riveted? if not, why not rivet them?

 

Cant rivet the grill shell to the radiator as the grill shell is sandwiched between the hood end bracket and the radiator.

 

Do you run a stock style four piece hood? No problem with the screws pulling out?

 

I run a stock four piece hood not a problem so far. Careful not to over tighten the machine screws. Suppose you could use lock tight if concerned about bolts loosening but I prefer to be able to loosen and remove the hood at will.

 

get some J-B Weld & a couple of 8 32 nuts or 10 32 if the hole is big enough to handle the screw. Glue the nuts to the underside of the shell.Slide a spacer underneath to hold the nuts tight to the shell.There should be enough room there for them. As stated do not over tighten them snug is good.

 

On my 32 I tapped a 3mm piece of steel and slid it under the tab.

 

34 radiator bracket mounts are different than a 32. Wish this could be done.

 

I used countersunk steel rivnuts.worked a treat.

 

I don't have the depth to use rivnuts on this application.

 

Does it look this ?
Your description doesn't sound like it does.

http://www.griffinrad.com/inc_results_specialties.php?Year=1934&Make=Ford

 

Thats the radiator.I also now realize there is no dummy water neck to mount the radiator cap.Any ideas other than having to weld a dummy neck on?

 

Mount the Radiator cap to the grille shell.

 

How?

 

Joe, I dis***embled the bottom of the cap and put a stud in the screw hole. Then mounted as per picture.

 

Excellent Idea , Thanks.