[DML] Re: Upgraded radiator - Bent Front Cross Members

["DMC Joe" <DMCJOE@xxxx>]

Dan,
This is a very common problem, we see this all the time. This was the
reason the factory created Safety Campaign No. RA-0001 which included two
heavy duty doubler plates and strengthening brackets. If you frame
extension is bent up to the 1/4 to 1/2 inch as you mentioned it will affect
your front end geometry therefore you will need to have the frame
re-aligned. The reason that your cooling system has not been greatly
effected is because the system can maintain cooling with the failure of one
of the cooling fans. However, the one fan operation will effect your AC
cooling efficiency especially when the car is not in motion.

Having your mechanic creating special brackets to compensate for the bent
frame member is a "band-aid" type fix. For your safety, do the job right.

DMC Joe / DeLorean Services / <dmcjoe@xxxx>
Web Site: <http://www.deloreanservices.com>

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> From: The Haney's <haneydr@xxxx>
> To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [DML] Upgraded radiator - Bent Front Cross Members
> Date: Sunday, July 18, 1999 12:20 AM
> 
> I am having the radiator and all the hoses replaced in my car.
> When my mechanic took out the old one, along with the fans he noticed
> that the plastic housing around the left side fan was broken and the
> bracket holding
> the raditor and fans on that side was bent. Presumably from a curb or
> pothole (the #1 cash crop for Colorado in the spring). Straightening
> this out has not been a problem but this brought attention to the fact
> that the cross member of the frame right behind the radiator is bent up
> about 1/4-1/2 inch. This is just enough to pinch into the above
> mentioned fan housing and stopping the fan from turning (yes, the fan
> still works and did not burn out !?!).
> 
> Strangely, I was not having cooling problems and it doesn't seem to
> effect the suspension.
> No uneven tire wear.
> My mechanic is going to lengthen the arms holding the radiator and fans
> about 3/4 of an
> inch (This is almost the maximum amount of room there is to work with.)
> to give the fan the clearance it needs to turn. Has anyone else had
> this problem?
> 
> Thanks,
> Dan Haney
> vin #003254


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