1980 Trans Am Radiator How To Removal(no room for fan to come out)

[Dinero]

So I need to replace the radiator due to heavy rust, over heating. It seems that the radiator and shroud come out together as one unit. So I keep reading that the fan needs to be removed first. So I removed the 4 bolts that hold the fan and the fan dropped down. But there is no room to between the shroud and the air pump and alternator to remove pull the fan out of the way. So do I also have to remove the air pump and alternator to make enough room to pull out the fan? Am I missing something or doing something wrong. Please advise. Thank You.

 

[melsg5]

you cannt pull the radiator/shroud assembly with the fan resting on the bottom of the shroud?

 

[G-110735]

OK so I got a Pontiac friend to stop by and help. What we did was pull forward on the top of the shroud which made about 3/4 inch more space. So we were able to pull out the fan with some considerable force. I was saying that the fan fell down into the bottom part of the shroud after I removed the 4 bolts that hold the fan to the water pump. I could not get in past the air pump and alternator. The 301 c.u. is all original and still has all the smog stuff on it.
I was just a matter of getting some help. The fun part will be getting the fan back in after placing the fan/shroud back in. Monday will be taking the rad to shop to have it cleaned.
So while I have all these parts out of the way, I will be checking the water pump bearing to make sure it is working properly. If not, will replace. Replacing both water hoses also. I will also be power washing the whole area.
Might as well so all this preventative maintenance before putting in new rad. Will keep you all posted. Thank you

 

[melsg5]

OK, thanks for the update and good luck with the project.

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[Dinero]

Thank you "melsg5".