71 C3 Fan Shroud
I have a 71 SB convertible 350/270 can I drive the car without the fan shroud installed or will it overheat. Thanks Danny
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Re: 71 C3 Fan Shroud
I've never tested the theory but have often read how CRITIAL the seals and shroud were to proper cooling. I would have to bet on overheating. -
Re: 71 C3 Fan Shroud
If you are going to drive your 1971 Corvette without the fan shroud, recommend you convert your ignition to full time vacuum with a length of vacuum hose from the vacuum advance unit directly to the carb's full time vacuum port. Benefits are cooling running engine in city stop and wait, and go traffic and improved gas mileage.Comment
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Re: 71 C3 Fan Shroud
Thanks guys for your input, guessing it might be best to take the time to reinstall the fan shroud. I fiberglassed the broken pieces to create a 1 piece shroud, however it won't clear the upper A arms. I will however find a away, seems you always do with our beloved vettes.Comment
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Re: 71 C3 Fan Shroud
Danny------
These shrouds can be very difficult to install, as you've found. I don't think I'd make it more difficult by trying to install a pieced-together shroud. My recommendation would be to obtain a new reproduction shroud, GM #3956109.
The upper a-arms can be relatively easily removed to aid shroud installation.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 71 C3 Fan Shroud
Thanks Joe, a replaced shroud is on my bucket list, however the existing shroud turned out so good after we glassed the pieces together that were going to try and get it back on. My plan is to remove the fan and loosen the rad support so we can pull it forward. This should provide the space needed. Plan B is to remove the upper a arms.I will let you know how it turns out.Comment
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Re: 71 C3 Fan Shroud
Danny you are the right track to remove a control arm. I have a 1970 350/300 with factory air and I always remove the passenger side control arm from it's top mounting to remove and install my fan shroud when I have to remove/install the radiator. I put a floor jack under the lower control arm and lift enough to have the weight on the floor jack. The upper two nuts come off the control arm bolts, and taking the shims out and taping them together and marking the tape for reinstallation of the shims. With your shroud off the car the two bolts can be knocked out of the frame easy. The bolts have are a interference fit. With my shroud the removal of the bolts makes it easier for the reinstallation of the shroud because of the length of the bolts that the control arm has to move towards the center of the car. I have tried once just removing the drivers side control arm and it did not work. I can reinstall the two control arm bolts without removing the front tire, you may find it easier to remove it. I can only knock out the rear bolt with the fan shroud in my 70, after getting the shroud out I remove the other bolt for an easier reinstallation of the control arm. With the control arm pulled back the reinstallation of your shroud should be easier.Comment
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Re: 71 C3 Fan Shroud
After watching Canada win gold in Mens Hockey (yeah) I decided to tackle the fan shroud. I took a different approach then removing the upper a-arms. I removed the top 2 bolts and loosened the bottom 3rd in each wheel well that holds the rad frame. I also removed the 2 bolts from the bottom of the frame and the center support bracket in the front. This enabled me to move the rad and frame forward. Besides removing the upper rad hose I didn't have to remove the lower hose or the trans cooling lines. I soon discovered that removing the fan would make things a lot easier. Had the shroud installed and everything back together in about 2 hours. Highly recommend this approach. Note: watch the hose clip (vacuum lines to the head lights) on the ds in the front of the rad. You will need to move it out of the way before moving the assembly forward.Comment
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