Legalities of removing part of radiator support panel.

[WhangareiKE70]

Hi guys,

Just a quick question, I am wanting to make part of my radiator support support panel on my Datsun 720 removable. It is the part that is on the top between the headlights, which the bonnet release catch mounts too.

The plan is to weld in tabs with captive nuts on them that sit underneath the remaining panel either side then bolt them in. That way the whole radiator support opens up when the panel is removed, and makes it easier to remove/replace the engine.

I have seen it done before, but just wondering about how legal it is. The ute will be going through certification anyway so no problems if it would need a cert.

Any (relevant) input would be appreciated.

Cheers guys.

[ajg193]

Not entirely relevant but the support bar on starlets is removable. Can't really see it being an issue for you.

[RUNAMUCK]

Make a tidy job, and no-one will know. I've seen a few datsuns where that has been made removable. Fuck trying to get an SR20det and box into a 1200 without removing that bit. (It was still a cunt of a job with it removed)

[WhangareiKE70]

Cheers guys, made removing the engine heaps easier.

[Roman]

I found a car that same as mine that was being wrecked, and cut out an overlength section of the same panel.

 

Then ground off all of the captive nuts, and now the new one bolts over the top of everything, rather than between the gap.

 

A lot stronger this way than brackets for the cut piece, if you're able to find another car like yours to chop.