76 LS radiator replacement help

[funkamedic]

The MK1 golfs are all the same, even a MK2 radiator will work.

All that varies is the width of the radiator.

A '90 cabrio radiator will work fine as will an '85 MK2 radiator.

The fan shroud might not be wide enough but even VW just bridged the gap with some simple steel straps.

2 of my MK1 golfs are running MK2 radiators. and , yes, you just run a longer hose to the expansion tank.

Ok, had the German Auto Parts radiator delivered. I has the 525mm core, 45mm wider than original, and thus fan shroud needs some extender bits in order to mount to the radiator.

Peter - have you got any pics of the steel straps you mentioned? Would you happen to know if and where I can source them off the shelf? Or will I need to get them fabricated? Is there one larger strap each side that spans both mounting holes, or two small ones per side of the rad? If I need to get them made I might as well copy the VW part Thanks!


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[Peter Jones]

You just bolt the fan housing up on one side as normal and the brackets go on the two holes on the other side.

They're really nothing special just a rectangular flat piece of steel about 2cm wide with a hole in each end.

Buunings has some flat brackets for reinforcing screen doors that will work fine with a little bit of drilling.

I'll see if I can dig up a picture.

[funkamedic]

Thanks again Peter!

Another question - the new radiator has "pin" mounts, whereas the original was bolted in. The pins don't quite line up with any existing holes so I will need to drill at least one new hole, and maybe just bore an existing hole. Are these pin mounts designed to just sit in the hole, or should I source a couple of rubber grommets to sit in the holes to provide a tighter fit and some protection from movement and vibrations etc?

Sorry for all the questions!

[Peter Jones]

I think I just drilled a couple of holes in mine. I'll have to take a look.

Some grommets would be a good idea.