Heater Core Question 66

[Dave Ashburn]

My first ride in the 66 this year produced some white steam from the grill vent in front of the windshield, then eventually from inside the defrost slot. When I pulled the defrost knob then the whole interior filled with white steam. There is no visible leak on the floor inside the car. Is this the heater core leaking on top or could it be coming from somewhere else? There was nothing on the garage floor either. Also,if it is the heater core, should I buy a new heater core, or have the old one repaired? Any thoughts or experience appreciated.

Thanks, Dave

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Heater Core Question 66

The old core can probably be repaired. New cores are pretty cheap and are made with new materials and modern methods. I guess I would opt for the new one, since I wouldn't have to be concerned about the old one having work hardned or corroded metal.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Heater Core Question 66

The old core can probably be repaired. New cores are pretty cheap and are made with new materials and modern methods. I guess I would opt for the new one, since I wouldn't have to be concerned about the old one having work hardned or corroded metal.

[Peter M.]

Re: Heater Core Question 66

When considering core rebuild or repro - if originality is important to you - most repros do not use copper so the inlet/outlet pipes exposed at the firewall are non original in appearance. Also - if your original core is not restorable, you may find an original harrison copper core that can be rebuilt passing the pressure test.

[Peter M.]

Re: Heater Core Question 66

When considering core rebuild or repro - if originality is important to you - most repros do not use copper so the inlet/outlet pipes exposed at the firewall are non original in appearance. Also - if your original core is not restorable, you may find an original harrison copper core that can be rebuilt passing the pressure test.

[Joe L.]

Re: Heater Core Question 66

Dave-----

Keep this in mind: it's a LOT of work to replace any 63+ Corvette heater core. So, you want to make sure that whatever core you use is as absolutely durable and long-lived as possible. To me, that usually bodes for a high quality, new core.

[Joe L.]

Re: Heater Core Question 66

Dave-----

Keep this in mind: it's a LOT of work to replace any 63+ Corvette heater core. So, you want to make sure that whatever core you use is as absolutely durable and long-lived as possible. To me, that usually bodes for a high quality, new core.

[Gary S.]

Re: Heater Core Question 66

Dave, I replaced the heater core in my non-AC 66 SB and it is a fair amount of work but VERY easy to do for the average guy. There is an excellent article in past Restorers on this very item. Most of the good parts catalogs sell good replacement heater cores. You can replace it as is or you can go the method that the previous owner of my 72 did. He bought a replacement core and had his local radiator shop unsolder the end caps from the original and solder them on the new core. That way you still have the original caps and a new core.

Don't worry swapping out the core. As you go along, this task is fairly simple.

Gary

[Gary S.]

Re: Heater Core Question 66

Dave, I replaced the heater core in my non-AC 66 SB and it is a fair amount of work but VERY easy to do for the average guy. There is an excellent article in past Restorers on this very item. Most of the good parts catalogs sell good replacement heater cores. You can replace it as is or you can go the method that the previous owner of my 72 did. He bought a replacement core and had his local radiator shop unsolder the end caps from the original and solder them on the new core. That way you still have the original caps and a new core.

Don't worry swapping out the core. As you go along, this task is fairly simple.

Gary

[John H.]

Re: Heater Core Question 66

Dave -

I'd pull the carpet out from below the heater box ASAP - there's coolant in the bottom of the box from the leak, and it'll be oozing out shortly - don't want to damage your carpet.

[John H.]

Re: Heater Core Question 66

Dave -

I'd pull the carpet out from below the heater box ASAP - there's coolant in the bottom of the box from the leak, and it'll be oozing out shortly - don't want to damage your carpet.

[Don Shirey]

Re: Heater Core Question 66

Dave,
Good idea to have your BRAND NEW CORE low-pressure
checked before installation. A friend didn't and
messed up his brand new carpeting!

Don

[Don Shirey]

Re: Heater Core Question 66

Dave,
Good idea to have your BRAND NEW CORE low-pressure
checked before installation. A friend didn't and
messed up his brand new carpeting!

Don