Dimensions to fabricate a new fan shroud for a '66 CJ5 Buick V6

Hey everyone. As you may have read, I am a new owner of a '66 CJ5 (http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55514), and one of the first things I wanted to do was to install a replacement radiator fan shroud, as the Jeep came with only 1/4 of the former shroud, since the rest had been broken off.

To the best of my searching ability, I can't seem to find any replacement sources for a new shroud (Lots of places sell '72 and up shrouds, but I can't find any that fit a '66). Which leads me down the fabrication route. Since I only have 1/4 of the original shroud, I was wondering if any of you kind souls on here could go to your late 60's CJ5s with a tape measure and give me some of the basic measurements.

Mahaffey Motorsports has a great form on their website for the required measurements for a custom shroud (http://www.mahaffeymotorsports.com/images/fan shroud work sheet.jpg)
, I suppose these are the dimensions I will need to either have a fan fabricated or to try it do it myself (I have a buddy here in Tahoe who works at a metal shop so I might beer-bribe him to help me out). Or if anyone knows of any source that I may have missed, I'd appreciate it! Thanks!

 

I work at a metal shop and we've built a few of these. I wouldn't consider using someone else's measurements if you have the actual vehicle - your dimensions may be different from others.

To measure it, imagine you're sitting where the engine sits looking forward into the radiator through the fan. Draw a circle to represent the fan and draw a rectangle around the circle to represent the radiator. After that you just need to dimension the distance between the circle and rectangle on all 4 sides. And, you need the length from radiator to fan. Not difficult.

Anyway, I suggest you measure yours to get the best fit. HTH

 

Why not use sheet aluminum and rivets to fab your own? it would be lots cheaper.

Use thin cardboard as a template, and a pair of tin snips to shape the aluminum.

 

Just got done doing all that so I could have one made for me. I only measured three sides though as the bottom of the fan sits well below the radiator. I'll take picks when it is done and post for you.

 

Sparky you are right that it probably would work and "should still fit". But our shop rate is 102 $/hr and this would be a two or three hour job. Would you want to risk ~$300.00 that the other guys rig is the same as yours?

As our old shop foreman used to say "are you a gambling man?".

 

My '62 CJ5 w/ '69 Buick v6 needs a fan shroud, too.

But like you, Truckee, my fan is off center compared to the radiator. Fan hangs below radiator maybe 2" and to the passenger side about one inch. This makes it a little more complicated than building a box shrould around rad.

Question: I know fan shroud is for our own safety, but does it help very much with cooling?

Bob in Arkansas

 

It's actually the other way around, they're sought after for efficient cooling, the safety aspect is just a byproduct.

 

I have an original (fiberglass) shroud that I could take pic's of if you still need them.

 

Here's the fan shroud I use and it works great. It installs with 6 sheet metal screws. If your radiator is stock, then the mounting holes in this shroud will align properly.

http://www.jeepsterpartsdude.com/new_engine.htm

Remember not to limit internet searches to CJs. The Jeepster used the same V6 as did the CJs. With a Buick engine, you really have many other options for accessories that the 4 cylinder guys don't have.

 

David thanks, that looks like it is a fit, and for $130 it's probably less then having one made, even with the "bro-deal." I'll order one and give it a go.

I was going to mock one up out of cardboard and then have MSM Sheet metal in Reno give it a go, and after I talked with them, they suggested trying Twisted Metal Industries in Reno, there's a guy there named Chad who has experience fabricating shrouds. And yeah, you guys are right about measuring it first!!!

 

Well, I ordered the above shroud form the Parts Dude 4x4, and it's WAY too big. So I'm wondering then if what I have is NOT the stock radiator? The shroud that came from Parts Dude appears to be the right shape, but it is well over 22" wide. My radiator is 18" wide. The cap on the top is slightly off center to the passenger's side, and the shroud bolting holes are on the side of the radiator (screws would bolt the shroud in at an angle parallel to the plain of the radiator). I can add some pictures after work when I go home. I know the later CJs shrouds' bolt directly into the sides of the radiator at a perpendicular 90 degree angle to the plain of the radiator. One puzzling thing is that my fan has 5 blades, and BARELY clears the lower hose (clearance of maybe 1/8") on the passenger side. The radiator does not look like any of the radiators in the Haynes CJ repair manual (early CJs fans should be four blades; later CJs should be 7, right???), and I do not have the FSM (yet). I feel like I am going to have to return to fabricating a shroud!

 

What year is your jeep? The later models such as my 71 had a 22" wide radiator and a totally different cowl from the earlier models 68-69 models and older had a 17" wide radiator. That shroud is for the later model cj's and the Commandos.

 

I also order one for my 1969 CJ5 V6 from the Parts Dude, it should be arriving soon. I emailed him and he told me that shroud will fit my jeep. My question is should I save the packing material or will that fit my CJ5. Any help would be great.
Thanks

 

If you check out my post "aluminum radiator" in fabricators forum you will see a pic of a v6 grill. They are markedly different. Hope this helps clear up some questions.

 

I bought a tapered heavy duty plastic trash can, measured the fan blade diameter, cut the trash can at a little larger than the dia. of the fan, measured from the blades to the radiator, added an inch and cut the trash can again. Then I cut 1" long slits about 1 1/2" apart all around the large end of the can, folded back the ears and pop riveted them to a piece of sheet metal that had a large hole cut in it the same size as the large end of the trash can and an overall shape of the radiator OD with an extra 1 1/2" on the sides for mounting to the radiator. Whala...lightweight, durable plastic/sheet metal fan shroud.

 

Nice! Got any pictures?? I'd love to see them.

 

Here's the radiator in question. It says Modine #.(see photo) - is this the stock OEM radiator?

Also, am I insane or is this a non-stock, totally asymmetric fan? Could this be part of the reason why my water pump bearings were shot? Shouldn't the fan be symmetrical (i.e. balanced?) - the FSM shows a V6 with a 4-blade fan.