Rad support bent, hood will not close

[slo_k20]

Hey guys I've seen a few threads on this topic back in the day but I really haven't been on here in a while. I tried searching but came up with nothing.

About a year ago I was using a crappy $40 Wal-mart jack on uneven ground and my car fell off and it landed on the radiator support bending it out of shape. The hood latches, but is off about 3/4" so it looks horrible.

Has anyone else had this problem? What can I do to correct it without disassembling the entire radiator?

Any advice is appreciated.

[ep3jd]

Pictures would help

[talonXracer]

OK, it is not actually the upper rad support, it is the bottom rad support that is now bent, I know all about it as I have done it myself, LOL

I pulled the upper rad support and rad, then simply stepped on the lower support until it looked right. The other option is to remove only the upper rad support and elongate the bottom holes where the upper and lower rad support bolt together, towards the top/upwards, this allows the upper rad support to drop down where it needs to be.

[RedSiBaron]

Been there done that, just not on the ep...big ass hammer and a chain wrapped to a comealong can work wonders

[slo_k20]

Thanks for the quick replies. Talon is it relatively straightforward taking out the rad? I'd like to do this in an afternoon if possible.

[oldschoolimport]

I've had great results with standing on the latch and jumping up and down like a mad man. seriously...

[talonXracer]

Wes, I can picture you doing that right now! LOL


The bumper cover and all that under trim has to be removed and then you can start getting at the rad. For an afternoon job, the best option is to try Wes's route and or remove just the upper rad support and elongate the holes.

[Rekognize]

I've had great results with standing on the latch and jumping up and down like a mad man. seriously...

lol i bent my rad support today and went with your route. Now, the hood sits flush

[bchaney]

Yep, I've done this too. I removed the rad + the vertical support and used a 2x4 and a sledge to pound the bottom support flat again.

[MIGEEZY]

Pound the upper support with a mallet if you DGAF!