Before You Begin:
* Consult a 1972 Corvette repair manual: This is crucial. A Haynes or Chilton manual (or a factory service manual if you can find one) will provide detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams specific to your vehicle.
* Gather tools: You'll need a variety of tools, including wrenches (metric and possibly SAE), sockets, screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), pliers, a radiator drain pan, coolant, and possibly a transmission jack (depending on the method used).
* Safety first: Wear safety glasses and gloves. Work in a well-ventilated area. Coolant is toxic.
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for specifics):
1. Drain the coolant: Locate the radiator drain petcock (usually at the bottom of the radiator) and carefully open it to drain the coolant into a suitable container. This can also involve draining the engine block.
2. Disconnect hoses: Carefully disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses. Have rags ready to soak up any remaining coolant. Mark the hoses (e.g., with tape or a marker) to remember their original positions for reassembly.
3. Disconnect the transmission cooler lines (if applicable): If your radiator has transmission cooler lines integrated, disconnect them carefully and be prepared for some transmission fluid spillage.
4. Remove the fan and shroud: This usually involves removing fan blades, shroud mounting bolts, and possibly the fan clutch.
5. Remove the radiator: This is often the most challenging part. The radiator is typically held in place by several mounting bolts and may be somewhat difficult to maneuver out from the engine compartment. You might need to carefully loosen and/or remove some surrounding components (e.g., the front bumper, grill) to provide enough clearance. A transmission jack might help support the radiator as you remove the mounting bolts.
6. Install the new radiator: Carefully reverse the removal process. Make sure the new radiator is properly seated and the mounting bolts are tightened to the correct torque specification (check your manual).
7. Reconnect the hoses and transmission cooler lines: Reconnect all hoses and lines, ensuring they are securely attached and properly clamped. Double-check your markings to ensure the hoses are in the correct locations.
8. Refill the coolant: Carefully add the correct type and amount of coolant to the radiator and engine block (consult your repair manual for specifications). Bleed the cooling system to remove any air pockets.
9. Reconnect the fan and shroud: Reassemble the fan and shroud.
10. Test run the engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, carefully monitoring the coolant temperature and checking for leaks.
Important Considerations:
* Type of radiator: Ensure you purchase a radiator specifically designed for a 1972 Corvette. The dimensions and connections may vary depending on the model and options.
* Cooling system flush: Before installing the new radiator, consider flushing the entire cooling system to remove any old, contaminated coolant.
* Professional help: If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your Corvette to a qualified mechanic. This is a more complex repair than many novice mechanics are prepared for.
This is a general outline. Always refer to a repair manual for precise instructions and safety precautions. Improper installation could lead to overheating, coolant leaks, and potentially serious engine damage.
