Expert: jack bahm - 4/25/2011

Question
My 1931 model a has been disassembled for a headgasket replacement for a year now.  I know its way too long, but it was not top priority.  I am having difficulty with the radiator mounting bolts, springs, rubber pads, and nuts.  I cannot seem to find a diagram or picture on how these items go together.  I think the springs go under the mounting flange on the radiator and the frame.  Should I loosen the hoses or one hose?  I don't know how to compress the springs to get them under the flange and over the rubber pad while stabbing the bolt through.  Can you help explain this to me or send a diagram or picture of how this is assembeled?  Thank you.

Answer
First, you should spend $35 and get les Andrews model A handbook for mechanics. Great book and we all have it and use it all the time.  It is shown on page 237. The bolt goes up from the bottom. The pad goes next on top ofthe cross mbr.  Then the radiator sits on the pad. Then the spring goes on top of the rad. Flange.  Then the castle nut goes on just far enough to get the cotter pin in. This gives the rad a little wiggle room when you hit a bump. You don't want to put any high loads into the rad. It would fatigue and fail.
Have fun with that car and get it running for the summer. Be sure to retorque the head bolts often after you get it running. Watch out for those two front bolts. It is very easy to crack the goose neck. I don't use a gasket there, just rtv. If you can get 45 ft lbs on those two, stop there.
Good luck
Ack