Radiator to close to the fan

My 68 V6 has a triple pulley behind the fan because I have power steering, a hi-low monarch hydrulic pump for the plow and the usual alternator water pump belts on the front of the motor.
Unfortunately, this leaves only a 1/2" clearence between the fan and the radiator. I hit a snow bank hard enough this winter that the fan took the bottom of the radiator off. I'm trying to think of away to prevent this from happening again.
The only solution I can think of is to remove a 1" section out of the front clip and re-welding it back together which would move the radiator forward away from the fan and still allow the same attachment arrangement for the radiator.
Does any one have a another solution or suggestion?
Thanks
ps: Does anyone know where i can get my Monarch Hi-Low pump rebuilt?

 

You're suggesting shortening the "tunnel" between the grill and the radiator? That'll work. It was done (is done) all the time to install a Buick V8 in place of the V6.

Another possibility is to put an electric pusher fan in front of the radiator and get rid of the engine driven fan entirely.

<edit> Bruce, still have that T-18A?

 

Several ways to do this, but easiest IMHO would be to cut the tunnel and move the radiator forward. That's the way mine is anyway.

 

i cut the tunnel with a jig saw, then slipped one side over the other and skip welded them back together. Was pretty easy. I was shortening a 4 banger shroud to fit the V6 in.

 

Another option. Cut the inlet shroud out completely. Use angle steel from the frame to make new rediator brackets. the only downfall is you loose your center monut for the front end. I eliminated this by welding vertical plated to the outside of my frame allowing each fender lower front bolt to bolt directly to the frame instead of the grill being the only attachment point for my front clip. Relieves alot of the fender shaking when the motor is running also.

 

I cut down the tunnel. (It's right where the weld is.) I also didn't use a fan on the motor. I used two electric fans.

http://groups.msn.com/ScottMilliner/scottsjeeppictures.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=5

http://groups.msn.com/ScottMilliner/scottsjeeppictures.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=53

 

Thanks for the responses and suggestions. All are good thoughts. It just so happens that the PO has in stalled a electric push fan inside the tunnel. It operates from a switch on the dash. It is not very large but it is worth a try and an eye on the temperature gauge before I do any surgery.
Thanks!

Yup, I still have the T18A.

Any bits on my pump rebuilding question?