Advice needed on "how to/what with" for my radiator support

[shane96ranger]

When I was changing the front diff fluid on my 97 F150 Saturday, I glanced up and noticed my radiator support is every shade of rusty - to the point where it's going to be dangerous before long. So, I get the great experience of putting a new core support in this pig.

Has anyone on here done this before? How difficult are we talking here? I know I've got to drill out the old spot welds to get this thing out, but my big concern is putting the new one in. What do I do to weld it in? I have a MIG, will that be OK, or do I need to get a spot weld gun?

Any advice would be great.

This is about the best info I've found on it, but it doesn't answer my questions.
http://www.f150forum.com/f6/1997-rad-support-removal-47142/

 

[shane96ranger]

This is what it looks like. I've seen worse, but this scares me.

 

[chrwilkins30]

I just bolted mine in on my b2. Mine had way more rust than that.

I have a few pics in my build.

 

[shane96ranger]

Thanks! Bolting it is an option. I will check your thread when I get on a computer.

I was also thinking.... is there a lot if play in it? How critical is placement, etc.? I found the support brand new for 70 dollars locally, and I plan to POR-15 this piss out if this thing. I will also fill it in with expanding foam where I can.

Sent while I should be doing something else

 

[chrwilkins30]

The only thing that seemed critical was the body mount location. Just try and get it in the same position. Mine had tabs that were on the inner fender that made this task very easy. Not sure on a f150.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Expanding foam does nothing but hold moisture.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Expanding foam does nothing but hold moisture.

Isn't Ford using closed cell expanding foam in the Windstar rear axle recall? (inside the rear axle to prevent rust from forming)

I wouldn't be in any too big of hurry to replace it, it doesn't look that bad IMO. Aftermarket sheetmetal will never last as long as what was there originally. It is both thinner and cheaper quality steel.

I need to do a cab corner on my '02, really can't bring myself to letting the bodyshop rip off the rocker panel from the rear of the cab to just behind the front wheel well to replace the very back 8" of rocker panel... and who knows what kind of a can of worms it will open up.

 

[shane96ranger]

Isn't Ford using closed cell expanding foam in the Windstar rear axle recall? (inside the rear axle to prevent rust from forming)

This is where I got the idea. The stuff I used for my windows (on my house) said it was waterproof, so I figured it would be OK.

 

[shane96ranger]

Maybe I'll rip the front end off and just POR-15 this support that's in here. That stuff is rock solid. I used it on my Mustang hatch, and it worked miracles.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You could probably just block it up, take out the bodymount bushing and go to town from there.

 

[shane96ranger]

You could probably just block it up, take out the bodymount bushing and go to town from there.

I think that sounds like a great plan. Now I just need to get my Stang registered so I can have my truck down for a few days.