I think it's time to replace mine

I have one from an 86 but not sure it'll fit.
Also, does the radiator need to come out to replace the tray? If so I may end up wedging and riveting a piece of stainless steel in between the top of it and the bottom of the radiator.
Thanks. Marc

[This message has been edited by Gokart (edited 05-11-2014).]

No one with an 88 has ever had to replace their rad tray?

I'm not sure if the '86 tray will fit or not. But I know the tray can be replaced without removing the radiator. I've done it. The radiator will be suspended by the coolant pipes. It'll probably shift / sag a bit, but you can just push it back up. There's not enough weight to damage the pipes or hoses, unless they're about to fall apart already.

quote Originally posted by Blacktree: I'm not sure if the '86 tray will fit or not. But I know the tray can be replaced without removing the radiator. I've done it. The radiator will be suspended by the coolant pipes. It'll probably shift / sag a bit, but you can just push it back up. There's not enough weight to damage the pipes or hoses, unless they're about to fall apart already.

Well that great news. Thanks! I have a 22P. Curious if that would give me a clue if the 86 will fit?

quote Originally posted by Gokart: Snip I have one from an 86 but not sure it'll fit. Snip

Can't you just hold the one up to the other one in the car and compare?

Nolan

[This message has been edited by Sourmug (edited 05-12-2014).]

quote Originally posted by Sourmug: Can't you just hold the one up to the other one in the car and compare? Nolan

No because you cannot see the upper arms of the tray while it's installed. That's what I fear may be different. I was going to take a pic and post the one I thought I had for an example but now I can't find it
I better advertise I need one at The Mall.

[This message has been edited by Gokart (edited 05-13-2014).]

I would bet that they are the same or close enough to make work. I have put aftermarket aluminum radiators in 88's and 86's and no major differences jumped out at me.
Tue distance between the front frame rails was unchanged over the years.....go for it!

This should answer your question. Listed as the same part for 84 to 88...

http://www.dragtimes.com/pa...RT_200952834359.html


Also here to confirm:
http://www.newgmparts.com/oe-gm/12391169

[This message has been edited by Purple86GT (edited 05-13-2014).]

Thanks for the replies! I was thinking the frame up front may be slightly different because 88 suspensions are but I suppose the tray could he the same or easily modified like I had to for the shroud when I installed the 3 core aluminum radiator. I wish I would've noticed the tray then
I started a wtb at the mall so if anyone has got one they can sell me plz lmk

I just did the opposite of what you are asking. I put an 88 support into my 86.

They ARE different, however, they are similar enough to make them fit. On the 88, the front subframe actually attaches to the rear-most radiator support bolt on each side. The 88 support bracket is actually flat with no lip on the edge of the sheet metal in this area to allow it to sandwich between the subframe and the frame.

The 86 bracket has a lip all around the sheet metal edge in this area, you'll need to cut or grind it off so that it can slide in between the subframe and frame. It's very minimal and could easily be done with a pair of tin snips.

There are also a couple of clips that the radiator fan attaches to that are different but are easily swapped between the two parts. The 86 bolts to these clips, but it appears that the 88 just slips into them.

I took some pictures that will explain this better because I remembered seeing this thread, but I can't post them from my android phone.

quote Originally posted by Silicoan86: I just did the opposite of what you are asking. I put an 88 support into my 86. They ARE different, however, they are similar enough to make them fit. On the 88, the front subframe actually attaches to the rear-most radiator support bolt on each side. The 88 support bracket is actually flat with no lip on the edge of the sheet metal in this area to allow it to sandwich between the subframe and the frame. The 86 bracket has a lip all around the sheet metal edge in this area, you'll need to cut or grind it off so that it can slide in between the subframe and frame. It's very minimal and could easily be done with a pair of tin snips. There are also a couple of clips that the radiator fan attaches to that are different but are easily swapped between the two parts. The 86 bolts to these clips, but it appears that the 88 just slips into them. I took some pictures that will explain this better because I remembered seeing this thread, but I can't post them from my android phone.

Wow! Huge help Silicoan86! Thanks for all this info. I'll pm you my email addy because pics would be very helpful. I got one coming soon off an 86 and I had a feeling there would be differences because of the ends being so close to the 88's suspension.
Marc

For the first 2 pictures...which one came from the 88??

quote Originally posted by fierogt28: For the first 2 pictures...which one came from the 88??

The first one is the 88 bracket (the pic with the blue glove).

Thanks for posting the pics Marc!