Replace the bent or compromised factory radiator support in your 1979-1993 Fox Body Mustang with this lightweight tubular radiator support from SVE. Each support is designed and built to completely replace the lower portion of your factory radiator support which reduces front end weight.
The SVE Tubular Support is constructed from mandrel-bent 1" DOM steel tubing with a .090" wall thickness, and precision-bent to give the radiator the proper mounting location and height. Radiator support mounting brackets are preinstalled to save time in measuring the locations of the factory support. All the brackets and mounting plates have been fully tig welded for strength and structural rigidity. SVE's radiator support arrives in a bare, raw steel finish that's ready to be welded in place. Finish it off in your car's specific paint color, or an E-coat.
Tools Needed:
- Socket Wrench
- Blue Thread Locking Compound
- Open End Wrench (for specific setups)
Step 1: Prepare the Work Area
- Choose a suitable area for grinding and welding.
- Decide whether to support the entire car or just the front.
- Remove the front bumper following our dedicated front bumper removal video (link in the description).
Step 2: Remove Upper Radiator Hold Down Components
- Lift the radiator and support it on both sides using bungee cords or similar items.
- Avoid damaging any components while lifting.
- Check the upper radiator area and detach any additional items attached to the lower section of the core support or the surrounding area.
Step 3: Cutting the Core Support
- With a friend's assistance, hold the lower section to prevent it from falling.
- Cut the core support, aligning it with the underside of the frame rail.
- Use an assortment of cut-off wheels and a grinder to remove remaining material and prepare the area for welding.
Step 4: Welding Preparation
- On our vehicle, there was a lower support already in place, so we left the existing tabs in place, and cut the tabs off of our radiator support for easy welding.
- Optionally, drill quarter-inch holes around the base of the mounting tabs for rosette welds.
- Prepare the tubular support for painting; avoid overspraying the welding area.
- Paint the support with your chosen color, excluding the welding contact points.
Step 5: Support Installation
- Remove locating pegs from lower radiator insulators using snips.
- Install insulators into tabs on the support in the correct orientation.
- Mock up the tubular support in the intended installation position.
Step 6: Positioning and Initial Welds
- Reinstall upper radiator hold down components.
- Use a transmission jack with a flat pad to hold the support and radiator in position.
- Square the support between the frame rails and ensure correct radiator positioning.
- Perform tack welds on both sides to secure the support.
Step 7: Full Welding
- Weld each area carefully, ensuring strong connections.
- Inspect the welds and make any necessary adjustments.
- Wipe the surface with a prep spray.
Step 8: Final Touches and Reassembly
- Mask the surrounding area to prevent overspray.
- Paint any exposed metal with the same color as the support.
- Allow adequate drying time before reassembling previously removed components.
Step 9: Completion
- After all components are reassembled, your installation is complete.
- The SVE tubular radiator support provides a durable solution for damaged core support or a race-inspired transformation of your Foxbody Mustang.
