Vega K-member

[Vega Dave]

I'm having clearance issues with my V8 aluminum radiator. It is hitting the front K-member bracket near the radiator core support, so it won't set down far enough for the hood to close. It's about an inch too high.

So, I'm guessing I could 'cut' the K-members so I can use the stock upper radiator support brackets or purchase the Overkill K-member unit. I do realize in either case I will need to make lower radiator brackets.

Note: The engine is still in the car. Can I remove the K-member to either: (A) perform the surgery on the stock unit or (B) install the Overkill unit?

[cosvega76]

You can clearance the K-member for the radiator, just remember it is a stressed member of the chassis so don't take off too much. Do you have the early stamped steel K-member or the late-model boxed unit? If it looks like you need to remove too much material you may be better off with the Overkill one. If you support the front of the car by the control arms, and the chassis isn't too flexible, you shouldn't have any trouble removing and replacing the K-member. At worst, you may need to use a tapered punch or a come-a-long to help line up the holes to get the bolts started.

Chuck

[Vega Dave]

Thanks for the answer.

I don't know what's the difference between the stock K-arms, but the guy I purchased the car from grafted '72 front sheet metal to a '76 body, so I'm assuming he had to use the '72 K-member front arms and the core support. These arms have three bolts in the front, if that helps. Two of the bolts go into the boxed frame and the third appears to go into the core support...and this is the problem area. I'll have to notch the raised area of the K-arm just in back of the bolt about 3 inches.

And that's another reason why I don't know about the Overkill unit as it only has 2 holes on each front arm...have you ever seen one installed?

[NVEGAR8D]

HI Vega Dave, He would not have used a 72 K member as only the sheet metal was needed for body changes. I believe you should be able to notch the corners to fit the rad and re-enforce the areas after fitment. I will be doing the same on mine.
nick75vega

[Vega Dave]

Well, I notched my K-members (OK, butchered) and my radiator now sits down JUST far enough for the hood to close...but the lower water neck is just about in contact with the passenger side K-member but remains too high to use the stock upper mounts.

In essence, I will never be able to utilize the stock upper mounts with the stock K-members, I guess, so I must fab both upper and lower mounts.

My question now becomes...can I fab mounts that make contact with the actual core tube bracing (the top and bottom channels that run between the tank ends) or must I support the radiator at the tanks only?

Or should I take the easy (read expensive) way out and just purchase an Overkill K-member?

[jim327monza]

Not cheap, but Griffin makes a radiator designed to fit stock mounts for our cars. there are different models for different engines . I may have a spare k frame if you need it.
Jim Hutto

[Vega Dave]

Thanks for the information.

When I go to the Griffin web site they don't list anything for a Vega, only for Monza's, and these have an odd kinda sideways upper hose bung, which looks like my 'other' stock radiator from another car.

I did get a smaller aluminum radiator with the car, but the lower hose bung is bent at a radical 90-degree angle plus it has a smaller top hose bung.

Is there a Griffin part number that I'm not seeing?

[jim327monza]

The sweep on the upper hose is designed to clear the power steering pump on v-8. my understanding was that they could be used on monzas and 75 up vegas. sorry if I sent you on a wild goose chase!

[Vega Dave]

No problem, Jim. Building a car is the definition of wild goose chase!!!

As I have tried notching the stock K-member and have discovered that the lower hose connection still interferes I have decided to do the Overkill K-member thing.

Like I said the upper supports for the radiator will be holding the radiator core brace, but the lower support will be on the tank ends...now the fun will be trying to find some rubber do-dads that will fit the aluminum tanks!!!