I've come to a cross-roads with my 1996 Maxima, and I need help both deciding what to do, as well as what I can expect from replacing ONLY the lower radiator support.

http://www.courtesyparts.com/maxima-...1897_1900.html
part 62530M here:
http://www.courtesyparts.com/62530m-...-p-126547.html

I assume that the lower radiator support is welded onto the full radiator support? So basically, it's a matter of drilling out the spot welds, and welding in the new piece?
My concern with DIY replacement of the lower radiator support - how should the support be welded in? With the car on the ground, or in the air? I only have jack stands to work with, so no 2 post lift.
I'm not concerned with the actual welding, I've helped stitch weld an s13 chassis before.

The lower radiator support rot has brought me serious consideration as to cutting my losses at this point, and parting out the car. Although, it would be really nice if I could make the car last another year while still in college. Unfortunately, the lower rad support rot is not the only problem with my car currently...there's rust forming elsewhere (mostly cosmetic, trunk lid rust from spoiler), the paint has clear coat failure on the hood, the car itself has 190k miles on original engine, I have a suspicion that I'm burning coolant (possible HG problem), and power steering or alternator whine. But my car also has brand new tires, brand new brakes on all 4 as of this past summer, the suspension is still decent, etc.

Any one have opinions on what I should do with the car? I don't consider it safe anymore to drive with the lower rad support the way it is.

Although I'm looking for opinions, hopefully someone will chime in about my questions regarding the actual replacement, since that's the most important info I can have at this point.

 

I assume that the lower radiator support is welded onto the full radiator support?
Just one big lower support w/ the support points for the radiator is all it is. Held on by the 3 huge bolts that connect it to the chassis and yes, welded spots on to the frame.

So basically, it's a matter of drilling out the spot welds, and welding in the new piece?
Yes... It is a bit of a pain to drill out the 6 spot welds on each side and break the 3 that you can't reach by the drill bit, but essentially that's all it took. (Actual number may vary as it's been a while since I've done it.)


My concern with DIY replacement of the lower radiator support - how should the support be welded in? With the car on the ground, or in the air? I only have jack stands to work with, so no 2 post lift.
I did mine while it was on jack stands perfectly fine. Finding a good spot to hook up the ground cable for the welder shouldn't be too difficult.

I'm not concerned with the actual welding, I've helped stitch weld an s13 chassis before.
That should be enough. I went into this install with no prior welding experience. Just make sure you see that the weld has came through to the other side by pounding the surfaces to meet at a flat surface. Make sure you don't burn any holes through the dam thing and you'll be fine. To tell you the truth most of the support is being held by the 3 big chassis bolts on each side already anyways.

 

go to the junkyard and buy all whats needed and weld your but off..

 

Meh don't do that... almost all 4th gens will have a rusted out radiator support. Unless if it's a car that hasn't been through winters (according to your rad support rusting, the locals would be about the same).

You don't want to go through the hassle of buying a jy radiator support, pounding it into the proper shape and flattening out the surfaces, only to find that a rad support w/ some rust is a pain to try and weld.

Just spend the $150 to get the new one.

 

yea, I got mine from worldpartsexpress.com was at or below $150 for the lower section. I got mine drilled out in about 4 good hours and only 3 different sized bits and an air grinder. Painted the new one and welded it in all in my garage on jack stands. Just make sure its in square before you weld and its good to go.

 

who in the world would get a used lower radiator support from a junkyard lol.

anyways, yeah, get a new one. they're cheap.

 

1chewabacha1 - thanks for the description of what's needed for replacement. I was mainly worried about installing it it a way that would be misaligned.

They're definitely cheap enough for me to spend the money now on new OEM, be able to drive the car for another year or so, and worry about getting another daily driver some other time (when I graduate and have money hopefully).

Thanks for the rest of the opinions!

Nealoc - are you not still using your 3.0 Turbo setup? I must have been away from maxima.org for way too long. looks like you're still doing a good job of putting bolt on 4G's to shame (myself included) with your winter beater.

 

no i sold that setup quite a while ago and put a 3.5 in the car, haven't had the chance to do a new turbo setup on the 3.5 yet.