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'78 CJ Grill installed on/in a '69 CJ

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by rocmoc, Jun 4, 2012.

  1. Jun 4, 2012
    rocmoc

    rocmoc Member

    Southern Arizona...
    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2012
    Messages:
    91
    Has anyone else done this? I want to run the larger radiator the '78 grill can accommodate, gets warm here in AZ. I sit the '78 grill on my '69 and everything looks good except the lower center mount. It is too high (the mount on front cross-member) and the radiator has to sit higher in the grill opening as the bottom of the rad sits atop the cross-member. Before I start cutting I would like to hear what others have done.

    Thanks,
    rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

    Read more: http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f7/78-cj-grill-installed-69-cj-14532/#ixzz1wsyLNAQI
     
    rocmoc, Jun 4, 2012
    #1
  2. Jun 5, 2012
    Vanguard

    Vanguard Take Off! Staff Member

    Vista, CA USA
    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2006
    Messages:
    2,259
    I did this. We had to cut the front crossmember down by half. I know it seems like cutting up your old radiator is more work, but it's not. You can make it work, but it's a heck of lot more.
     
    Vanguard, Jun 5, 2012
    #2
  3. Jun 5, 2012
    RATTYFLATTY

    RATTYFLATTY I think you need a little more throttle

    Central MN
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2007
    Messages:
    519
    I did this on mine, but I also converted it to a late model front crossmember as I was also installing power steering. If you are running a 225 the lower water neck is on the wrong side. You could have it moved over or just run a cross over pipe(I did) so a stock rad could used as a replacement. You could even incorporate the late model hood latch if desired.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2012
    RATTYFLATTY, Jun 5, 2012
    #3
  4. Jun 5, 2012
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    I installed a '73 grille on the '71. I cut off the '71 grille mount tab, I made a new crossmember to sit the later grille on (a piece of 3/8" armor steel 8) ), which also served to stiffen the front of the frame.

    This shows the left side of the plate.

    [​IMG]

    I used some angle iron to mount the stock rad to the 73 grille. I used the stock 71 V6 rad which I had recored (3-row), and shortened by 3" because it sat directly over the factory crossmember, which I didn't want to remove.
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2012
    lynn, Jun 5, 2012
    #4
  5. Jun 5, 2012
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Just a comment - if you are going to use a newer grille and cross member, I suggest you try and use the parts from a '76 or newer Jeep. The steering gear bracket for a '72-75 is a scarce item with no aftermarket support. The '76 and newer bracket is available as either a replacement or a stronger upgraded bracket.
     
    timgr, Jun 5, 2012
    #5
  6. Jun 5, 2012
    JohnnyCommando

    JohnnyCommando Blue Tarp Station, proprietor

    Eureka, CA
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2009
    Messages:
    65
    JohnnyCommando, Jun 5, 2012
    #6
  7. Jun 5, 2012
    rocmoc

    rocmoc Member

    Southern Arizona...
    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2012
    Messages:
    91
    Thanks everyone. After reviewing all input and looking at the mod, I started making the change today. Cut the old '69 mount down so there is room for a rubber mount. Now I just have to cut 1/2 " out of the cross member. This will allow the radiator to sit low enough to clear the hood. I like the idea of replacing the cross member as I have a '78 CJ I am using for parts but I already have the power steering sag unit mod and it would be a major retrofit changing the steering. My self-made bumper, 4" Channel, acts as a cross member and stiffens the frame so that mod is complete. In my case it looked like an easier mod was to CUT metal. Thanks again!

    rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
     
    rocmoc, Jun 5, 2012
    #7
  8. Jun 5, 2012
    jayhawkclint

    jayhawkclint ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    Oklahoma City, USA
    Joined:
    May 18, 2006
    Messages:
    2,622
    I just did this, tried modifying old crossmember, after all was said and done, ended up cutting old one out and made a new one out of square tube. Learn from my mistake: drill the hole for the rubber mount BEFORE you weld the crossmember. I did an aftermarket aluminum radiator, but it isn't living up to the "200% more cooling" hype. I think a good brass radiator would work just as well, if not better.
     
    jayhawkclint, Jun 5, 2012
    #8
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