FINFAN

The oil cooler in my 82', bit the dust. I purchased a new OEM oil cooler off of ebay. I went to take the old brackets off to put them on the new oil cooler to find out that the bottom half of the bracket is welded on to the oil cooler. I've seen factory replacements brackets from Atkins and Mazdatrix, but they look like just the top half of the bracket and they cost as much or more than what I paid for the oil cooler itself.

I'm looking for ideas on how to make my own brackets to attach the oil cooler back on to the bottom of the radiator or maybe mounting it to the front bar that goes across the frame to stiffen the front of the car up.

Has anybody come across this same issue and what was the solution?

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

all i seem to be remembering from the '81-'82 cars is that the oil cooler was mounted beneath the radiator, as opposed to in front of it (like the SE). the details of how it was mounted are a bit fuzzy. can you post a photo?

FINFAN

The oil cooler does mount directly under the radiator. The radiator is 22.5" in length, the oil cooler is 24" in length. There are two mounting holes on each side (about 2" apart) on both the radiator and cooler. The old bracket is two pieces with a rubber insert (to dampen the vibration from the road), the lower half is welded on to the old cooler.

I'm thinking of using some kind of thick rubber piece and drilling holes on each end, or using some kind of scrap metal.

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

well, first of all, i forgot to welcome you to the board.

second ... honestly, if you have a plan to fab something, then go for it. i don't doubt that that bracket is ridiculously expensive at Mazdatrix (which is not to disparage Mazdatrix), but parts like that for our cars have a habit of being disproportionately overpriced.

i have mounted Gen II oil coolers to Gen I cars before and i'm not sure i even made it to $20 in materials, much less over. i just got some aluminum "L" bracketing and sheets from places like Home Depot or Lowes or the like, set up my bench and go to work with a hacksaw, drill and Dremel. my point is you can get it done cost effectively. it may not be pretty, but unless you plan on some sort of Concours-type car, that won't matter.

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

Just get a wall pictire frame hanging wires (cable not a solid wire) to secure the OC under the radiator. A simple fix that will last for many years.

FINFAN

Universal Exhaust Hanger

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

Nah thats too thick and heavy. Tye flexible plumbers tape is a better choice

FINFAN

Well the Universal Exhaust Hangers fit perfectly, 2 of them side by side was the right width, the holes lined up perfectly, they give me the hard mount stiffness, along with the soft mount to absorb the vibrations.

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

look at you. not bad at all.

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

nice