Bulkhead Cooler Replacement

[Toy4rnr]

Has anyone here had to replace their bulkhead cooler? I sucked a rock up into my tunnel this weekend and killed the tunnel cooler and the bulkhead cooler also sustained some damage. It looks like a huge pain to replace. The bolts on either side of the cooler don't look bad but having to drill out those rivets on the belly panel to access two larger bolts doesn't look fun. Looking for some guidance from anyone with experience. I'm no stranger to wrenching on stuff, but there is a point where its too involved.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

Has anyone here had to replace their bulkhead cooler? I sucked a rock up into my tunnel this weekend and killed the tunnel cooler and the bulkhead cooler also sustained some damage. It looks like a huge pain to replace. The bolts on either side of the cooler don't look bad but having to drill out those rivets on the belly panel to access two larger bolts doesn't look fun. Looking for some guidance from anyone with experience. I'm no stranger to wrenching on stuff, but there is a point where its too involved.

Just bring it to a good shop and get them both welded.

(I've welded a few tunnel coolers)

Or do an insurance claim.

 

[Toy4rnr]

Just bring it to a good shop and get them both welded.

(I've welded a few tunnel coolers)

Or do an insurance claim.

I don't think there's much saving that can be done to the tunnel cooler. It yanked the rivets through my tunnel. I already have an insurance claim open was just curious if it was very difficult. I may just do the tunnel portion myself, my buddy has done a few and have a shop do the bulk head.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

I don't think there's much saving that can be done to the tunnel cooler. It yanked the rivets through my tunnel. I already have an insurance claim open was just curious if it was very difficult. I may just do the tunnel portion myself, my buddy has done a few and have a shop do the bulk head.
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Tunnel and bulkhead happen at the same time.

Just let them do it.

 

[Toy4rnr]

Tunnel and bulkhead happen at the same time.

Just let them do it.

Sounds good I will just let them do both since both gotta happen at the same time. I'm sure my tunnel can be saved it didn't sustain much damage, just a dent and 3 pulled rivets.

 

[Wintertime]

How did this process turn out? I put a rock through the tunnel cooler. Looking at options of what to do. New sled 300 miles. Not sure if I should do insurance or MNTEK cooler option. Just looking for advice.

 

[Toy4rnr]

How did this process turn out? I put a rock through the tunnel cooler. Looking at options of what to do. New sled 300 miles. Not sure if I should do insurance or MNTEK cooler option. Just looking for advice.

I went through insurance because the rivets for my tunnel cooler got pulled through my tunnel, otherwise I would have used the factory cooler I got from a member here. Unfortunately can't buy them separate new, so it's an entire tunnel replacement if you kill a tunnel cooler. I just got it back after about 5-6 weeks. Glad I still have my 165. I heard the MNTEK is a great cooler, it does add weight and goes pretty far out to the rear of the tunnel from my measurements.

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

I went through insurance because the rivets for my tunnel cooler got pulled through my tunnel, otherwise I would have used the factory cooler I got from a member here. Unfortunately can't buy them separate new, so it's an entire tunnel replacement if you kill a tunnel cooler. I just got it back after about 5-6 weeks. Glad I still have my 165. I heard the MNTEK is a great cooler, it does add weight and goes pretty far out to the rear of the tunnel from my measurements.

Fyi for most of the damages welding thr cooler up works great.

Costs a few hundred bucks depending on thr damage. And only takes a few hrs tops.


I've only welded up like 100 or so at this point

 

[Wintertime]

It’s a pretty big spot and dent. I have talked about doing that. I would lose some surface area for sure. It’s not out of the question.

 

[Solarguy]

The tunnel coolers are not really weldable, too thin and fragile. I put a rock through on my 9R, expensive repair!!

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

The tunnel coolers are not really weldable, too thin and fragile. I put a rock through on my 9R, expensive repair!!

I've definitely welded a bunch of them without trouble.

Sounds like a skill issue.