Need help getting a radiator to fit

I need to see if anyone else has had this problem. I put a small block in my 55' CJ5 and now it looks like the fan is to close to the radiator and the one I have is pretty wide so I have to do something about head lights. If anyone has pics or thought let me know.

 

Small block chevy? If so, be sure you are using the short spindle water pump and a solid mount fan. I can take pics of my set-up if you need them.

Here is a so-so picture. You can see there is only about 1" clearance between fan and radiator. Holler if you need more pics. I'll get some better ones.

 

Dennis,

Is your firewall stock, or has the center portion been moved back? If so, what is the dimension from the firewall surface to the center section surface? Also, do you have a pic of your motor mounts?

tommy b

 

There is a pic in this thread of how I did the rad. with the 4.3 swap. I ended up cutting out all the stock shroud and putting the rad. in between the headlight buckets. Fit perfect inbetween them. Also switched to a elec. fan to get rid of the mech. fan. http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25681

 

Yep get the shorter pump, I think it is out of a 55 chevy.

 

Ok, the 55 is what I remember mine coming from in the computer at autozone.

 

I can get you all of that, but not sure what measurement you are looking for in regards to the firewall.

 

Here's some more shots. Please, disregard the filth

The engine has been in for a few years longer than I have owned the jeep. some of the cuts are butchered, but I have a new grille going on soon. The firewall will be repaired at the time I do the body over. It is functional, but it was a "good enough for government work" job done in those 2 areas. Here goes...



There's about 3/4" between the fan and the radiator



Firewall notch

 

Lay a long straightedge horizontally across the firewall. It will touch the firewall on each end but the center section of the firewall will be set back several inches (to clear the distributor housing) What is the depth of this setback? I think when a V8 is installed, the center section of the firewall must be set back further than that of a stock dash. Clear as mud?

tommy b

 

I'll get that tonight for you, but it's no where close to the dashboard. Plenty of room behind the dash.

 

Maybe I could have been a little clearer in my last post. Lay the straightedge across the front of the firewall. I want to know the depth of the depression in the center of the firewall to clear the back of the engine and the distributor housing. I believe it will be around 4 or 5". FWIW, the distance from firewall to dash is 14" or so, plenty of room to move the firewall center back. Question; should we start another thread on this? I don't want to hijack someone else's thread, and I'm starting to feel like I am doing just that. :?

tommy b