In this article I show you how I retrofit Civic EK (1996-2000) radiator brackets to fit the Scion tc 2005-2010. They aren’t expensive at all, but require a little bit of fitting to make it work.
Parts used in this upgrade/retrofit
- 1996-2000 Civic EK Radiator brackets
- P2R Urethane bushings (Red or Black $7 ea)
- Titanium M8 bolt, 15mm length
- step drill bit
- heat gun
- hose
- sandpaper
Installation
1. Pick a radiator bracket, they come in different colors
2. Using a step drill bit, drill out the mounting hole wider, but drill it so that the hole is wider toward the edge like this:
Widen this hole, but off center your cut as seen here.
3. Sand down the burrs. Smooth it out so the bushing fits in without damaging it. You can also reuse your OEM Scion radiator bushings.
4. Use lubricant or grease and press the bushings in by hand. Here’s a video that better explains steps 3 and 4:
5. You can reuse the oem bracket bolt, or the ones provided w/ the bracket kit (but they are poor quality and will rust). I use a Titanium M8 15mm bolt, and it doesn’t rust.
6. Carefully bend so the bracket so it sits more parallel w/ the level of the radiator. Tighten the bolt and push down SOFTLY
7. Use some air hose to fill the gap. Heat it up and use it as a sheath to widen the radiator mounting peg.
Use some air hose to fill this gap
Cut to size, heat up, and slide onto the radiator peg, use lubricant if needed.
Final product
