Proper procedure for bonnet removal 70 XKE OTS

Doc,

As you look back under the car from the front, the first cross-brace you see (black, flat metal) is the radiator support. DON'T jack on that. You will push the radiator through the bonnet. Keep going back. You will see a straight cross-piece between where the front shocks mount to the lower A arms. That is the bottom of the "picture frame" or engine support rails. You can jack the front end up from there. But be careful. Your jack can bend the metal in the frame (you may notice spots where it is bent from someone else jacking it up). The best thing to do is get a piece of wood and put it in the inverted U-channel formed by the bottom of the frame, and jack on that. Some people keep the wood in place permanently with some plastic wire tires. Otherwise, put a block of wood on the head of the jack to minimize bending of the picture frame.

Once you've jacked the car up, place the jack stands under the knuckle where the A-arm attaches, closest to the picture frame. Obviously, be sure to chock the rear wheels, front and back, before lifting. You can't rely on the clutch or emergency brake to keep the car from rolling. Be sure you lower the car carefully onto the jack stands and remove the jack before you open the bonnet, or you'll ding the bonnet on the jack handle.

I usually take the front end up just enough to get the wheels off. You really don't have to go any higher than that. I loosen the spinners after I get the jack in place but before lifting the tires off the ground.

Hope that helps,
Steve

Thanks to both George and Steve for the advice.I definitly do not want the extra headache of an ill fitting bonnet.Are there specific jacking points( I'll use a floor jack then support with Jack stands).I also plan on doing all the extra things Steve mentioned.Thanks again! Dr. Mike

Edited on 2005-06-08 12:32:41

I absolutely agree with George. Don't remove the bonnet. No need to. I changed the radiator on my '70 FHC with the bonnet in place; did the water pump and a whole lot of other front-of-the-engine work with the bonnet on as well. Simply jack up the front end (NOT under the radiator support bracket or you will wreck your bonnet), put it on jack stands, and release the bonnet strut. Ease the bonnet forward and rest it on something soft, like a piece of carpet, or tie a rope from bonnet to fire wall to keep it from falling forward. That's all you need. I removed the front wheels on mine and it made access much easier as well. The rest of the job is a piece of cake, and you don't have to worry about re-hanging and re-aligning the bonnet.

BTW, you really don't need a manual to remove and replace the radiator. It is a very simple, straightforward job. While you are at it, replace the hoses and clamps. Also a good time to consider replacing the belts, as the front of the engine is easily accessible when the radiator is out. As for the radiator, remove it an take it to any good local radiator shop. If the tanks are good, have it recored with a high efficiency core. It will help with cooling.

Take the opportunity to clean up the radiator support rail and repaint/rust proof things down there. Also a good time to repaint the fan shroud if it's not in good shape. If you need a new radiator and you are not into concours, consider getting an aluminum one. I got one from Coolcatcorp.com for my '70 and also put one in my '69, and it is nothing short of great! NAYYY, just a very happy customer.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'70 XKE FHC; '69 XKE OTS

First Dr. Mike you do not need to remove the bonnet to remove the rad.. Carefully hinge the bonnet foward after jacking it up 6 in. and releasing the strut. If you remove the bonnet get a factory manual from this site and mark everything and put it back where it came from--assuming it is aligned now, George Camp