Thread: Thoughts on cutting upper radiator support

Okay, so on my turbo car the upper radiator support is a bit twisted. Not really bad, but bad enough that I can't use the mounting bolts on it. I saw a picture last night where a guy had cut the upper support, and bracketed a big ass aluminum radiator to either side of the cut.

Is this a bad idea? What would be the pros and cons?

Con: Not as stable

Pro: Endless

Yeah, I was wondering how much structural support it actually provided. If it makes any difference, I have an ebay upper strut tower bar on the car, because I had it laying around.

the upper radiator support is a thin piece of sheet metal, It really doesnt provide any support to the body, but only the radiator and hood latch. Thats it. In a collision if it was above the bumper support, the thing would fold in like a piece of paper.

I have mine cut and removed although i plan on making a cooling plate if you will that will cover the top and connect to each side of the cut basicly to make it look cleaner. Other than that i could care less its cut.

That flimsy upper radiator support provides very little structural support. However replacing it with something substantial is always a better idea. Make it removable.

Cool, I think I might cut it.

Any suggestions for securing the hood, other than hood pins? I don't really know what else is out there...

Install LT and RT hood latches and strikers like bmws and saabs have.

Aerocatch hood pins. I had to remove my upper radiator support to push the radiator forward about 2" due to manifold/turbo placement. Aerocatch latches are great.

Yeah, I read good things about those.