I bought this radiator for my 97 Legacy GT Wagon:

 

http://www.radiatorspot.com/subaru/legacy/radiators.html?year=1997#MjQ0MzQ

 

Everything is great, but I'm unable to secure the radiator on the top like I could w/ the old radiator. This new radiator didn't come with a "radiator guard" on the top like the old one, and it doesn't have the fittings to fit the old "radiator guard" on top. So I'm thinking I shouldn't have bought this radiator, but I think I'll make it work by coming up with my own way to secure the radiator so it doesn't wobble at all.

 

Here are some pics to explain (blurry from my phone and at night since that's the only time I can work on my car out on the street since I live at an apt w/ no garage).

 

Without the metal clips that hold it in place:

 

With the metal clips that hold it in place:

 

Any advice would be helpful, thanks.

Edited February 2, 201115 yr by dldunckel
Didn't state year/make/model

I had the same problem some time back. My problem was that the mounting holes did not match up. I secured using nylon cable ties. This worked just fine in securing the radiator tightly, but I wasn't proud of the red neck look. So, you might try this approach. It is important that the radiator be tightly secured, otherwise it can cause rattles, and the flexing can eventually cause the radiator to leak.

Thanks for the idea. I'll keep that in mind.

Theres another type of bracket that sits on top of the radiator and attaches to the car. I have an extra i could sell you. They are on 99 OBWs

I had the same problem some time back. My problem was that the mounting holes did not match up. I secured using nylon cable ties. This worked just fine in securing the radiator tightly, but I wasn't proud of the red neck look. So, you might try this approach. It is important that the radiator be tightly secured, otherwise it can cause rattles, and the flexing can eventually cause the radiator to leak.

 

The radiator should not be secured straight to the chassis as this will cause it to flex WITH the chassis, which will eventually cause it to crack. There is a reason the stock mounting system uses rubber bushings.

The radiator should not be secured straight to the chassis as this will cause it to flex WITH the chassis, which will eventually cause it to crack. There is a reason the stock mounting system uses rubber bushings.

 

I agree with you, but like said, it was an aftermarket radiator added to an old Subie with 200+K miles on the odo. The holes just did not match up. However, I think the car will find its way to a wrecking yard before flexing with the chassis takes out the radiator due to cracking. It prolly would have been a good idea to wedge some rubber between radiator and chassis, before cinching together with cable ties.

They sold you the wrong radiator. The GT's used all metal radiators and they are still availible.

 

GD

its the wrong radiator for your brackets but there are tapped holes for both style brackets.

I clicked on the link you provided in post 1

 

"It works or we'll buy it back from ya with our "Buy It Back" Guarantee!"

 

 

 

 

 

Simple fix. Get the right one. I suggest radiatorbarn.com

There's another style of bracket for that radiator, it's a one piece thing that goes all the way across the top of the radiator and has fingers that grab the plastic end tanks at each end. You could grab one off a junk car and swap it over.