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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Projects Posts (NOT VEHICLES) => Topic started by: VileZambonie on January 22, 2009, 09:25:30 pm

Title: Electric Cooling Fan Build
Post by: VileZambonie on January 22, 2009, 09:25:30 pm
So I decided to make my own electric cooling fan and shroud. Here are some pix

*edited due to p-bucket

First I had my buddy who is a tin knocker make me a heavy gauge pan as the foundation. I later had him make it out of aluminum so that it would be more rigid and have a polished finish but I wanted to get the fitment worked out initially with the sheet metal. The sheet metal version was plenty stout so I saved it in case I wanted to make another one for another truck down the road.

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXMk5jZlNyTlcyaHM)

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXRlV3VElPSVJQQ1k)

Test fit

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXWXRCNEloalYydWc)

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXYWlnQnQwYmxabFE)

Laying out the fan

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXd2Z4cFhiSnNWSDA)

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXdFh6WWdXVm1ObjQ)

Drilled the holes and cut the hole

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXT3dHUUl0UUF2Q1k)

Made the appropriate sized bracket spacers

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXQzJ6clVKSnNPTkE)

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXSk9iZ1dLOHVQUlU)

Test fit install

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXaW4xclJmbl84UkU)

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXQVhwSXR1NkhhcjA)

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXVVR6SVloaE9KTHc)

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXYUxSN3lkeUxsRDQ)

I already wired 99% of it. The fan is controlled thermostatically by an adjustable relay module. Once it's installed I have to route all my wiring nicely in looms and will take more pics.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: choptop on January 22, 2009, 09:48:05 pm
Killer job. Very well done.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: SUX2BU99 on January 22, 2009, 09:48:11 pm
Nice, real nice.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: eventhorizon66 on January 22, 2009, 10:46:55 pm
Looks awesome.  Can't wait to see it finished.  Maybe now you'll get 7 mpg instead of 6.  That's why you're doing this right? :P
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: 69byrd on January 22, 2009, 11:17:24 pm
Great job! That looks good.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: Captkaos on January 23, 2009, 01:46:51 pm
Nice!
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: JRConnieK10 on January 23, 2009, 03:12:26 pm
Nice. Now just mass produce maybe sell a few.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on January 23, 2009, 09:34:27 pm
Excellent idea, using a pan like that!  Never thought of it.  I just bookmarked this page for reference..
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: Skunksmash on January 24, 2009, 07:17:13 pm
What kind of valve covers are those? Also, will you be making any holes of any kind in the pan? For airflow purposes.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: eventhorizon66 on January 24, 2009, 08:04:27 pm
Also, will you be making any holes of any kind in the pan? For airflow purposes.

There's a giant hole in the middle, LOL.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: VileZambonie on January 25, 2009, 09:43:26 am
What kind of valve covers are those? Also, will you be making any holes of any kind in the pan? For airflow purposes.

HUH?  ???

Those are the old Corvette BB vc's

It's in all wired up and working. Now that the prototype is done my buddy can make the shroud out of aluminum. I'm gonna leave this one in for now until then.

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXdmRlUUdfcV8yc0E)

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXbS1udXBrRXgzUk0)

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXZzVuYnRZV284S1U)
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on January 25, 2009, 09:33:48 pm
That's NICE.  The shroud and raidiator support look like one big piece.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: choptop on January 25, 2009, 10:32:48 pm
Absolutely beautiful.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: cracker0169 on January 26, 2009, 05:35:49 pm
That does look really good. You could make some money selling those setups! Give ya a $1 for it!!!  :D
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: oldwhity on January 26, 2009, 05:40:38 pm
That really gives it a clean look. Rob likey! 8)
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: bigkountry on January 26, 2009, 06:40:40 pm
Very nice Vile, I agree it looks almost factory like!
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: VileZambonie on January 26, 2009, 08:12:24 pm
Thanks everyone. I like it.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: DnStClr on January 26, 2009, 08:26:04 pm
Awesome! Got a wiring schematic?
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: VileZambonie on January 26, 2009, 08:39:17 pm
yep you can use one like this...

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B8yVwIOnwzXXeTVTb3kyYXJ2Tnc)

or the one I used which has an adjustable thermistor
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: joesgarage71 on January 28, 2009, 12:12:10 am
 Nice job there Vile
BTW where did you get a relay with a 88 terminal?

What kind of valve covers are those?
You mean these valve covers
http://www.ss396.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=camaro6769&Product_Code=AVC-100&Category_Code=VALVECOVERSACCESSORIES
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: farmallgray on February 04, 2009, 02:12:40 pm
I have several questions. Is the truck a 2WD or 4? Driver or showpiece? What is the fan from (OEM or aftermarket)?
How do you know how big of a fan to use?

Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: eventhorizon66 on February 04, 2009, 05:41:40 pm
I have several questions. Is the truck a 2WD or 4? Driver or showpiece? What is the fan from (OEM or aftermarket)?
How do you know how big of a fan to use?

Here's a link to the truck this fan was installed in.

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7175.0
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: VileZambonie on February 04, 2009, 08:06:15 pm
2wd 454 aftermarket 16.5" new fan.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: farmallgray on February 05, 2009, 03:23:39 pm
Do you know what the CFM rating is on it?
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: VileZambonie on February 05, 2009, 04:43:54 pm
I'll let you know what it is when I actually measure it.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on February 07, 2009, 12:54:36 am
So you can measure cfm?  do you have any idea what a stock engine driven fan pulls?
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: VileZambonie on February 07, 2009, 05:34:28 am
Yes, you can use a velometer or an anemometer. You'd have to actually measure it to know what it pulls at what rpm and temperature. The stock fan is thermostatic.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: joesgarage71 on February 10, 2009, 08:32:05 am
 :D
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: cubicdollars on February 15, 2009, 11:45:00 am
Great looking Fan Shroud  thanks for the build info  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: rockable on February 15, 2009, 08:47:46 pm
Vile, you do some outstanding work.  That engine and the cooler are sweet.  I admire your attention to detail.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: Stroker 79 on February 15, 2009, 08:56:54 pm
Trick looking fan you came up with! 
I like the way you made the shroud. I’ve done some fan mods in the past using a “viper fan” in a later model truck. Never thought about doing a shroud like that. Looks sick!
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: VileZambonie on February 16, 2009, 10:27:34 am
Thanks guys. I'm happy with it. Next one will be aluminum.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: beastie_3 on October 06, 2009, 10:55:40 pm
If your buddy is still willing to make another one, I would buy it. Do you know the brand and part number for the fan as well?? Thanks.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: catman on January 28, 2010, 07:28:13 pm
I LIKE THAT SET UP WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN MAKING ANOTHER??

THANKS
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: VileZambonie on January 28, 2010, 10:42:34 pm
If and when I ever get some free time I'm going to have my buddy make a few out of stainless based on this design. I need to build another prototype for the 81 up style also but I have so many other projects rolling right now this is taking a back seat for a while. Beastie I never saw your post til now. I don't have the fan part # off the top of my head but I have it in my shop.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: mitch sonsteng on February 14, 2010, 09:50:59 pm
Man does that engine and engine compartment look good, nice job man!
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: Givengold on February 15, 2010, 11:53:46 pm
I found a similar set of Offy valve covers at a Good Guys swap meet.  I also got a vintage ribbed pair for my son's 64 El Camino.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: Lucky73 on March 08, 2010, 11:09:14 pm
I want one;D
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: Van Gogh on October 03, 2010, 08:24:11 pm
Looks awesome
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: 75ChevyGuy on October 10, 2010, 07:34:12 pm
I really dig that man! I just wished my engine bay looked as clean as yours. Any performance gains noticed with this setup?
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: velojym on November 28, 2011, 12:51:56 am
Necro!!!

Ooh. In light of my *sorta* recent fan blade breakage on the stock fan, I've been perusing options in my spare time. I do believe I have a
sheet of aluminum somewhere in my basement (surplus from a past airplane project) and a small sheetmetal brake. Shamefully, I've had little time to actually fix the truck so far, but I'm hoping that changes soon.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: bd on November 29, 2011, 07:56:20 pm
Clean, impressive build.  Beautifully dressed!  Impeccable workmanship!  You set a high standard.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: coomaz on December 03, 2011, 04:38:57 pm
Really Nice
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: mattgood on December 19, 2011, 08:50:23 pm
Nice job man! Looks good in bed liner or whatever you used there.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: Bitzer! on January 19, 2012, 03:24:25 pm

I love this site and all you guys on here!

Vile, I'd been thinking what to do with mine. I don't like the gangly looking original and basically "you're the man!"

Quick question though, When you remove the original, how did you tidy the top pulley? Any chance of a pic?

Cheers

Andy
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: VileZambonie on January 19, 2012, 08:43:05 pm
You mean the water pump pulley? Just shorter bolts
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: Bitzer! on January 20, 2012, 02:44:19 am

I'm sure mine's got studs and nuts not bolts. I'll have to see if I can extract studs and replace with bolts then!

Cheers
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: VileZambonie on January 25, 2012, 08:00:44 pm
Just double nut it and walk the stud out.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: chevyjoe_99 on February 10, 2012, 09:37:37 pm
Everything looks great. Did you ever run the fan without the shroud? I've got dual 12" fans on mine now, without a shroud and was curious how much it helped cool with the shroud.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: VileZambonie on February 11, 2012, 08:31:39 am
No, it doesn't pull nearly enough air without a shroud.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: chevyjoe_99 on February 11, 2012, 10:03:29 am
I kinda figured that. I have duals and they are rated at around 3100 cfm and they barely keep the truck cool at low speeds.
Title: Re: Electric Cooling fan
Post by: VileZambonie on February 11, 2012, 10:12:28 am
Shroud is Key - I will be building a new one for this truck since I've changed to a different style radiator