VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1930 fan kisses radiator

Started the car for the first time in an estimated 12 years on Friday. Sounds sweet, except for the fan grazing the radiator when I pushed the hand throttle in to slow the idle. There is significantly more clearance between fan and radiator at the top of the fan than the bottom, as if the rear of the engine/trans sits too low. Before I go looking for the solution under the car, is this something that others have encountered that you can suggest where to look to fix?

I should add that this is a complete original, except-for-paint-"survivor" so modifications are not suspected as a cause.

Thanks in advance,
Jerry

There are two carriage or elevator bolts on the bottom of the radiator that go through the front frame cross member. If you loosen the nuts, move the bottom of the radiator forward and then tighten the nuts it will solve your problem.

You should also check to be sure that the fan blades have not been bent forward by somebody inadvertently leaning against them while working on the car. The fan blade should be straight, not with the tips bent toward the front of the car.

Good luck with it!

All the Best, Chip

Thank you both. It did look like there was a little room to shift the bottom of the radiator forward, but I hadn't attempted it yet. I was just surprised at how little clearance there is.

Since the engine is bolted directly to the frame there does not need to be any room for engine movement. Therefore the distance between the fan and radiator core is a fraction of an inch.

Just thought I should close out this thread by noting this was the easiest fix yet on my car. I did not realize the mounting holes were actually slotted so the radiator position was easily adjusted. Thanks again!

Jerry