What purpose did the springs on the radiator mounting studs serve? I am assuming they offered some flexibility if the frame moved around a little bit so the studs did not rip out of the bottom of the radiator.
I'm asking because after replacing the original (wore out) radiator with an aftermarket copy I just can't get my hand in there to compress the spring enough to get the nut started. After a couple hours trying with lots of frustration, I am considering just using a washer and nylock nut without the spring (not too tight).
The aftermarket radiator does not have the mounting studs brazed into the bottom of the radiator as in the original, but are welded to a piece of heavy sheetmetal running underneath the radiator core. So I guess if there was some flexing the sheetmetal would flex and even if the stud welds broke eventually it would not damage the core.
Am I thinking right, or should I spend more time trying to get the springs on?
I'm asking because after replacing the original (wore out) radiator with an aftermarket copy I just can't get my hand in there to compress the spring enough to get the nut started. After a couple hours trying with lots of frustration, I am considering just using a washer and nylock nut without the spring (not too tight).
The aftermarket radiator does not have the mounting studs brazed into the bottom of the radiator as in the original, but are welded to a piece of heavy sheetmetal running underneath the radiator core. So I guess if there was some flexing the sheetmetal would flex and even if the stud welds broke eventually it would not damage the core.
Am I thinking right, or should I spend more time trying to get the springs on?
