Hi Hugh, I've just verified on my '57 and between fan blades and radiator ther's at least 1 inch. Problem is clearance between the fluid drive coupling (AC cars have this feature) and radiator: less than 1/2 inch.. But i'm sure i've remove the belts and put new ones without removing fan -- Philippe COURANT (Pau, France)- Webmaster des sites ACCF et C-I-F Imperial 1957 Crown convertible Buick 1958 Roadmaster sedan HT - American Car Club de France (ACCF) : http://www.accf.com - Chrysler Imperial France (C-I-F) : http://www.ifrance.com/c-i-f - Cadillac " Standard of Excellence " : http://www.ifrance.com/accf-cad - SportsCars : http://www.ifrance.com/accf-sprtcar