Radiator support

[nautical2086]

Does anyone know anthing about the radiator support, Like is it welded on, or riveted or bolted on?

 

[L8R]

i think welded... sucks

 

[Brian MP5T]

The Lower one is welded

 

[SPOOND]

there are 4 spot welds 2 on top 2 on bottom just drilled mine out and moved over to adapt to a honda half fluidyne to my car

 

[nautical2086]

Yeah, im looking to at least cut/drill my old one out, Do I need to remove the fenders to get to the part? Where is the Airbag sensor located?

 

[Brian MP5T]

A Grinder would probably work of a SAWS ALL.

 

[nautical2086]

That is exactly what I was going to use, and a rotory saw too, but I dont know where the air bag sensors are, and I dont know if i need to remove the fenders or not.

 

[Brian MP5T]

Disconnect the Power and they will not go off. I can tell you that they are not under the bumper...

 

[nautical2086]

Do I need to remove the fenders to get to where I need to get to?

 

[P5errington]

The Core support is a b**** to get off. There must be over 20 spot welds, thats if you can find them all. There are spotwelds where the top bar meets the fenders, and a sawzall won't fit in some areas you need to cut. I had a new support and tried to figure out where to start and stop but after 5 hours I said F&*# it and too it to the shop. If they do the whole support on and of will be about 800$.

 

[Brian MP5T]

Do I need to remove the fenders to get to where I need to get to?

The Sides? No They were never removed for my car ever.

Take off the Front of the Plastic fenders (Black Under) and let them hang down.

Then remove the two screws and the plastic clips that hold on the front of your car with the mazda emblem, grab bottom and pull up and front.

Then from under there are 4 screws (2 each side) that hold the front bumper skin on. Remove the front carefully as it is possible that it gets hung up at the lights in front. Remember to remove the wire as well..

 

[nautical2086]

I know how to get everything, off lol, just the radiator support.

 

[Arnhem]

Should have read this thread before I starting stripping the car last saturday.
My friend, a Mazda-mechanic and I eventually gave up after seeing the welded spots

I need to change my radiator support from the prefacelift to the longer 2001.3 radiator support.
Anyone else who has ever done this?

@P5errinton: $800 for replacing the radiator support(core support?) seems ridiculous? Where did get it done?