Hi Folks,
Due to an over active jet washer, a stone on the M25, frost and a garage who think a coolant change doesn't mean anti freeze it became time to swap the rad on the convertible so I thought i'd take some pics of the job.
First job is to remove the bonnet quick is a breeze with a quick release otherwise its two screws on one of the hinges and two on the stay remove the hinge pin and tilt the bonnet to one side and withdraw it.
Now disconnect the battery.
The next step is one that fills me with joy and that is to remove the front bumper. Firstly remove the spotlights because if you break one you'll struggle to get replacements and they make access easier later on. The bumper is held on by 5 studs two each side and one in the middle basically feel up the front edge of the inner wheel arch and you'll find a stud and the other stud on each side is at the bottom of the wheel arch where all the mud collects. If you're really lucky they'll undo, if you're lucky they'll shear and most often they will round off and stay put. If they are stuck it's time to don the brave boots and use a hack saw blade or a skill saw cut the studs this is a faff as you have to pry the bumper away from the body without damaging it. I had to cut two of mine as I obviously cheaped out and didn't fit stainless studs and nuts lesson for next time!! You should now have a car looking like this (apart from the dirt and minging oil ball engine)
Now drain the coolant now a good tip is make the bottom hose clip accesible through the spotlight hole
The next step is to remove the top hose, alternator, Dizzy cap and starter motor to create access for the rad to come out.
The next step is to undo the radiator mounting brackets which are held on with two screws on the front valance
Now finally you can remove the rad you can do this by tipping the top forward then tipping the passenger side (drivers on the continent) up to the vertical
Slide the rad across and lift it out
Transfer the fan and fan switch over to the new rad and reverse the steps above
When bleeding the system make sure the heater has no trapped air in it as it normally gathers there and away you go.
Cheers,
Mike