The radiator or core support on my 93 civic hatch is complete trash. Despite all the criticism the aftermarket core supports get, I'm still deciding to purchase one due to my financial situation. My plan for the removal of the support is to use a drill and a special 3/8 spot weld cutter drill bitt to remove the support. While the support is off i heard that the frame rails can bow out over time. Is this something that could actually happen in a matter of 2-3 days without any banging around the frame? Or, should i weld a piece of metal connecting the frame rails while i weld on the new support?

 

Nope not in that short a time look at the all perfectly straight JDM front integra out there, you're fine mine sat a week with out a front support and I had an amazing looking JDM front DC2.

 

Alright that makes me feel better. Do the aftermarket supports come with pre-driller holes for you to weld?

 

I don't know we had a few ppl order those "jdm front rad supports" from PW:JDM and they did. but idk about random aftermarket ones

 

no, there will be no holes. oem= pinch welded.

 

So should I pinch weld the new support back or just drill holes and do a plug weld?

 

doesnt really matter. the radiator support does just that-- supports the radiator, hangs headlights, etc. your bumper (the actual bar attached to the framerails) is what helps in a collision. i have used nuts/bots, self tappers, and welded... all the same to me.