davek9

Exactly, as you are not actually bending the individual tabs (that will break them), you are bending the frame that holds them just enough to remove the tank.

Like someone else posted be very careful removing the "cooler" from the end tank as you can not buy them, get the proper wrenches to counter hold the fittings.

Take you time and go around using small movements until you have enough room.

On taking the rad to a shop, make sure they know how to do this and have the jig, else walk away, they will destroy your rad and say "we can sell you / make you one..." and that is not what you want.

Here are some pic's of the last one I did.

ThetaTau87

I just got word back from the radiator shop that the oil cooler is leaking. This is really good news as the alternative for cross-contamination between coolant and oil is a blown head gasket.

I found a good used oil cooler from another forum member who has a bad radiator with a good oil cooler. He's sending me the complete radiator. I'm going to DIY replacing the cooler. I'll practice taking off and reinstalling the end tanks of the bad radiator before I attempt it on my good rad.

Thanks to everyone for all the good info and tips.

Randy V

Good for you.

Good luck on the job.

One note of caution to spray some PB Blaster or similar on the cooler hose fittings to prevent stripping the threads on removal and installation.