radiator support sizes

[richs71Nova]

hey guys, my 1971 Nova was originally an inline 6 engine and i'm going with an 8 cylinder down the road, i'm just wondering if there are any differences in the 6 cylinder radiator support from the 8 cylinder cars. the radiator support that was in there is in good shape so i was planning on re-using it when i start restoring the body. if it has a smaller opening then the 8's could i just cut it bigger??

thanks in advance, Rich

[Kenova]

All of the rad supports have the same size rad openings with the exception of the big block cars and some air conditioned cars. If you look closely at the lower rad saddles you will see a third one. This was used for the big block and a/c rad. There is also an imbossed area above the third saddle mount which was punched out for these cars. To use the bigger rad you could use the Nova big block upper rad brace and rubber seal or a brace from a'73 or '74 a/c model. Don't forget about the Pontiac Buick and Olds models when you're scrounging for parts.
Ken

[richs71Nova]

thanks Ken!