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Installing a Radiator in an L bug?
MISS VDUB - February 7th, 2006 at 10:33 PM

Hi Guys,

Recently purchased an EJ22, and now trying to figure out the most effective place to install a radiator in my L bug, as my spare wheel sits flat.

I also have a whale tail on my car, and was wondering if a radiator could be installed in the rear, or if there is a way to install it in the front somehow?

Would greatly appreciate your help!

Kind Regards,
Ash x

boof2332 - February 7th, 2006 at 10:45 PM

Going to do this in my 914.....cut a "u" shape in the wheel well floor starting at the front, the width of the radiator, then bend the floor up and back on a 45 and sit the chosen radiator to meet the bent up piece like the peak of a tent. paint it and seal the sides. Behind it there should still be room for pumps and surge pot. Sit a cover on the wholde thing and you can still sit your tyre on top.


Matt

shaihulud - February 8th, 2006 at 10:30 AM

Ashleigh. I didn't know that you are a hoon, that you like to fang (see trivia thread).

I've seen a radiator set up in the space behind the rear seat with big airscoops, a bit like the ones on Herbie in Fully Loaded. Maybe you could convert the whale tail into an airscoop. The engine is a Subaru EA81 which is the precursor of the EJ series engines.

It was done by a VW Club member whose name I have forgotten. If you would like to know who he is so that you can talk to him, U2U me and I will let you know.

It is an easier plumbing job to put the radiator close to the engine. There is little weight difference to putting it in the front, as the space where the radiator goes in the front occupies the space where you would fit the jack, lug wrench, tools, spare oil and water, and other things, which you must then put elsewhere in the rear of the car if the radiator is in the front.

Regardless. I hope it doesn't take you too long to get it on the road as a SubDub.

Richard.

1303Steve - February 8th, 2006 at 10:08 PM

Hi

Rear mounting has its drawbacks, the front boot area is the way to go, do a search look at Jak Rizzos car and 1303s as well to see how they did and still had a bit of boot left.

This how my old 1302 ended up looking with a radiator in the front, I will be going down the same route as Jak & 1303 (Paul) with my 1303.

Steve


http://www.clubvw.org.au/images/scaero_rad.jpg

71superbug - February 12th, 2006 at 03:20 AM

ashleigh...go speak to kurt at Vdub repairs and spares in freo.

he has a burnt orange L bug with a supercharged WBX motor in it. has a VERY tidy radiator install in the front of his one.


he would be the man to talk to i would say, plus..he will actually show you it in person. i know cos i did the same thing.


Anthony

pete wood - February 12th, 2006 at 03:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 71superbug
ashleigh...go speak to kurt at Vdub repairs and spares in freo.

he has a burnt orange L bug with a supercharged WBX motor in it. has a VERY tidy radiator install in the front of his one.


he would be the man to talk to i would say, plus..he will actually show you it in person. i know cos i did the same thing.


Anthony


Sorry to hijack, but how's your car going Anthony?

71superbug - February 13th, 2006 at 12:59 AM

hey pete....should be a lot more progress coming up soon due to a new job.

will let you know when big thigns happen.


Anthony

seagull - February 13th, 2006 at 01:27 AM

Good to see you get off your ass !:lol:

MISS VDUB - February 13th, 2006 at 02:24 AM

Thanks Seagull... i love you too! :kiss

mackaymanx - February 13th, 2006 at 05:26 PM

Hi, my brother and I put a EA82 into my L Bug back in 1992. We cut out the spare tyre well and put the radiator in there at about a 15 degree angle. We then paneled over the top with a flat piece of gal. This still left room for the spare tyre under the bonnet. I post some photos if I can find them.

71superbug - February 13th, 2006 at 07:29 PM

neil you talking to me or ash? lol

its doing "traffic control" for roadworks...not brain busting stuff but should pay for the parts.


Anthony

boof2332 - February 13th, 2006 at 11:31 PM

Anthony.
Please tell me that you have cut some holes in the front or run some radiator lines....I.m sure he was not talking to Ash( I'll send the photos tomorrow or nextday).
Did you ever find out what you can run?

Matt

MISS VDUB - February 14th, 2006 at 01:17 AM

You right hi-jacking my thread Anthony? I didnt think you had done anything yet?

Thanks for dropping the ECU at my work today Neil, i really really appreciate it! Mwah xxx

Thanks for the feedback guys, really appreciate it, keep em coming!

Does anyone recommend a particular radiator?

Ash x

seagull - February 14th, 2006 at 01:44 AM

I was taking to you Anthony , glad to see you working * stop > go * hows the heat getting to you mate ?

Asheigh no problems glad to help , seagull

71superbug - February 15th, 2006 at 03:54 AM

yeah a 13bt is allowed here just depends on the rest of the car.

heat isnt so bad mate...but its getting hotter..so will see how it goes.

did not mean to highjack your thread ash.

will post more info all in good time matt :)

until then......i will be looking for your posts ;)

Anthony

boof2332 - February 15th, 2006 at 07:08 AM

I use an alfa 33...is extremely small and fits well in a non strut wheel well. I saw a great on the other day...mitsubishi 3.0 triton.
Matt

MISS VDUB - March 2nd, 2006 at 12:01 AM

Anymore suggestions? :smilegrin:

Jenny - March 2nd, 2006 at 12:46 PM

Check this post for some ideas
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/post.php?action=reply&fid=59&tid=42102 

MISS VDUB - March 8th, 2006 at 04:09 PM

Hey Jenny, that link doesnt work?

Takes me to the U2U composer page?

Ash x

Jenny - March 9th, 2006 at 03:29 PM

Hmm, don't know what the heck happened there...
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=42102