How to remove radiator 1977 Argosy 24'

[Dr.Theopolis]

The day will eventually come when I need to replace the radiator in my 1977 Argosy 24 (maybe next week!). I have two questions about this.

First, I cannot see how it could possible come out without taking out a lot of other stuff. Has anyone done this?

Second, when I look up a replacement radiator for a 1977 Chevy P30 with 454, the pictures I see of the replacement radiator don't look like they have the same hose connections as my radiator. Has anyone done this?

Thanks.

[BIG DADDY 77]

Yes I just embarked on this journey my self 1st let me tell you it is a BIG job but any DYI person can do it .2nd do you have the old Radiator if so good as you can get it recorded by a Radiator shop they are kind-a hard to find in this day and age but there out there the cost is about $600 to $700 and it's a good time to up date front engine parts like new alternator, fuel pump , water pump and I am even doing my timing Chain and front seals, hoes & belts
You will need to remove all of the center gill and all engine coolers and A/C condenser and all mounting bracket to remove Radiator frame tilt it forward take the top of the rad frame off and then it will come out .Believe me it can be very time consuming as dealing with rusty bolts and stuff .It took me 3 days to just tare it down . this would cost about $3000 to have some one do it for you .This is the fun of owning a Airstream ! p.s you will to replace your radiator hose's with universal flex hoses as you won't find them ether hope's this give's you some incite as what your up agents

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by Dr.Theopolis

The day will eventually come when I need to replace the radiator in my 1977 Argosy 24 (maybe next week!). I have two questions about this.

First, I cannot see how it could possible come out without taking out a lot of other stuff. Has anyone done this?

Second, when I look up a replacement radiator for a 1977 Chevy P30 with 454, the pictures I see of the replacement radiator don't look like they have the same hose connections as my radiator. Has anyone done this?

Thanks.

The forum is a little quiet at the moment but in the past this has been one of the top 5 discussion points as two things are certain with these older motorhomes - the radiator will need recoring (and most folks get the core upgraded when doing so) and the windscreens fog around the edges and will need replacing.

To most the forum isn't just for asking questions, its a repository of 25years of folks previously doing, exactly what what you want to do - the search focus is your friend and I can guarantee someone has done, and documented everything you want to do previously.

[Gireya]

Hey I just had to remove my radiator last October because the crankshaft pulley came apart while I was on a road trip.

I ended up taking it out from the bottom on the advise of people on this forum by jacking the front end up pretty high into the air. I used jackstands and wheel leveling blocks to get it up high enough. Then I blocked the wheels also.

It took one really long day to take it apart and put it back together using basic hand tools.

[Gireya]

Here's a couple of pictures I took while removing the Radiator. One will give you an idea of how high the front need to be to get the radiator out from underneath.