Screws/Bolts for Rad Fan shroud on replacement radiator

[beowulf]

I just bought this radiator from Autohausaz to put into my 1984 Rabbit Diesel (1.6L) - No air con.

The bolts from my original (leaking) radiator for attaching the radiator fan shroud to the radiator are too fat. I've gone to Lowes and have tried #10 and #12 screws (they didn't have hex head bolts in that size) - the #10 is too thin and the #12 is too fat. I tried M5 and M6 hex head bolts - the M5 is too thin and the M6 is too fat.

Does anyone know what the specs are on the holes on this radiator where the rad fan shroud is supposed to attach? I want to get my bunny back together and I can't believe this is what is tripping me up...thanks.

[zukgod1]

Maybe call Autohausaz? Sounds like you have covered the basics.

[TedV]

are the M6 bolts that hold the shroud on the self tapping type?  I have had to run an end tap into the plastic to get the bolts started on some new radiators before. M6x1mm going by memory, but don't quote me.. check the threads on what you took out of the old radiator.  Just don't run it in so far you make a hole in it.   :wink:

[arb]

Sorry Dude.. I just got a NEW rad for my project. You could have gotten yours for $68 from Radiator.com
- they deliver for free to your home. For an extra $25 I got a life time warranty. It looks to be of higher quality than the OEM I took out.

http://www.radiator.com/price.php?make=69&model=711&year=1984&engine=1.6L%2C+98ci%2C+L-4&transmission=Manual&carmake=69&carmodel=&vid=2629470

[Doakster]

I just went on Radiator.com and I don't think I've been more frustrated when dealing with a vendor, I tried mulitple times to look up my radiator and all I got was there chat service and I still can figure out if I was talking to a human or not.

He was my "chat" conversion about trying to find a radiator, start from the bottom and work you're way up.

-You :   I won't be ordering from you because all I asked for was simply prices on a radiator and you never gave it to me,
-Chuck :   Thank you. We'll always be here whether you need a radiator or just free advice. You can call us if you prefer at 800-248-8720. Bye!
-You :   
-Chuck :   No problem-- We've been here 20 years, and aren't satisfied till you are. If you'd like, I can put a note in our system, so if you decide to make us your last call, we'll know to beat any price you find. What's your first name?
-You :   No Please just give the prices on the radiators you have availalbe.
-Chuck :   No problem. I'll have our Volkswagen tech give you a call in a couple minutes-- What's your first name, area code and phone number?
-You :   Zip Code 04330. Just looking for pricing now. All 85-92 VW Golf/Jetta should be the same fit, should not be complicated.
-Chuck :   There are a couple of different radiators... We can get you wholesale rates on labor, assuming you went with our installation centers. That's about 1/3 what you'd pay at the dealer. Would you like me to get you an exact labor quote?
-You :   
-Chuck :   Your price is coming. Looks like that '91 is a really complicated fit. I'll just quote you the most likely 1 of the 3 possible parts -- Or you're welcome to talk to one of our Volkswagen techs to be 100% sure. What's your Zip Code and how soon would you need it?
-You :   Just Radiator
-Chuck :   sure. Do you want quotes on just the radiator -- or installation too?
-You :   Both
-Chuck :   OK. Would you prefer quotes on an OE certified or aftermarket radiator?
-You :   1.6 Turbo Diesel
-Chuck :   Do you know the engine size?
-You :   Jetta 1991
-Chuck :   What model and year Volkswagen do you have?

[Doakster]

On the radiator bolts I believe there is a 5.5 metric bolt but it's very uncommon. Since autohauz has metric measurement on the site of the radiator I would think it's metric holes as well.

[beowulf]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I've email Autohaus and will keep my eyes peeled for some M5.5 bolts, just in case.  I'll report my results back here when it is finally resolved.

[arb]

I just went on Radiator.com and I don't think I've been more frustrated when dealing with a vendor, I tried mulitple times to look up my radiator and all I got was there chat service and I still can figure out if I was talking to a human or not.

I got that same chat thing and my second reply was "Am I speaking to a human or a computer script?"

It answered back "You guessed it, I'm a computer program. You WIN $25 off your order - use code XXX"

Then I could use the menues to select my radiator just fine. The $25 would have meant the $68 was $43 !!!!!!

[Doakster]

I just went on Radiator.com and I don't think I've been more frustrated when dealing with a vendor, I tried mulitple times to look up my radiator and all I got was there chat service and I still can figure out if I was talking to a human or not.

I got that same chat thing and my second reply was "Am I speaking to a human or a computer script?"

It answered back "You guesses it, I'm a computer program. You WIN $25 off your order - use code XXX"

Then I could use the menues to select my radiator just fine. The $25 would have meant the $68 was $43 !!!!!!

That is just the most ridiculous way of doing business that I've heard of, very weird.  Looks like the "chat" option is not available right now, but I might go back later on tho have a little fun with it.

[beowulf]

Still no luck tracking down bolts that fit.  I've hit a couple chain hardware stores and can't locate M5.5 bolts of any shape or length.  AutohausAz's suggestion was to hit up a dealer for the bolts, but that seems lame.  Aren't I likely to just get the same 4 bolts I already have (assuming they even carry them anymore).

What are my options for drilling out the holes on the radiator to accept one of the M6x1.0 bolts I have?  Aren't there special bits or something that can do that for you?

[8v-of-fury]

I  AM  BEOWULF!!!!!

Sorry watched it last night! LOVED IT!

[beowulf]

Sorry, I forgot about this topic and never followed up with my solution.

One of the members on here (sorry, it was a while ago and I forget who it was) emailed me a set of four used OEM radiator screws.  The one little bit of information that I was missing was that new rads come with smooth holes and the OEM bolts are self-tapping.

So, using the OEM radiator screws I was able to gently screw them into the smooth holes on the new rad without a problem.  The reason I couldn't find a bolt or screw that fit exactly was because the holes on the radiator were smooth.  Thanks to everyone for the replies and the assistance.