Current replacement heater cores.

[Fred Y.]

I'll need to replace my current original heater core. The original looks to be in very poor shape. Is there a preferred vendor/part out there. Sadly, I just see alot made in Mexico----Not my 1st choice by any means.I want to keep it 99% made in USA on this restoration.

Thanks,Fred

[Bob R.]

Re: Current replacement heater cores.

If you can find a competent radiator shop in your area I think the originals can be repaired.

[Edward J.]

Re: Current replacement heater cores.

Fred, if you can find a radiator repair shop near you, your best to have the old one re-cored, its more expensive but you do it once and forget about it. the aftermarket one are garbage, poor fit, also short lived. do yourself a favor and buy a seal kit to re-seal the doors and box at the same time. The way the shops re-core is the buy a section(brick) of core material it will likely do about 3 heater cores, so if they don't want to buy the material because they don't have ask them if they can purchase the material and you ca pay for it, that's what I did the core cost me 200.00 and I sent down another that I had for repair as a spare. there are NOS one Ebay from time to time but are far more expensive.

[Fred Y.]

Re: Current replacement heater cores.

That's my dilemma Bob. The guy we have nearby has become old & grouchy & absolutely bent almost 30% of the brand new cooling fins on a new radiator core he put in last Yr. I was so disgusted ,I just grabbed it & decided I'd straighten them one at a time when I had 3 hours to kill.

Now, I know there is a radiator shop in New Hampshire, but they wont work directly for me. They keep sending me to the grouch in Town.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Current replacement heater cores.

Have you checked with other members in CT? (That's where your profile says you live)
There's a lot of population between CT and NH, and I would suspect plenty of shops with experience to fix the core correctly.

[Harry S.]

Re: Current replacement heater cores.

Fred, what car needs the core? Your A/C coupe or the roadster?

There is a shop in North Hampton, NH. I just called him. He will re-core your heater core. He gets his new copper from Lewiston, Maine. So it's made in the USA.

He needs to see it to take measurements and get a price. Saying that I have an old original from my non-A/C 63. Shall I take in in a get a price for you?

[Fred Y.]

Re: Current replacement heater cores.

Absolutely Patrick & Ed. I definitely plan to replace the doors seals etc once I take it apart. I suppose I'll hunt for a reliable radiator shop nearby.Putting a Mexican core in my car leaves a bad taste.

[Harry S.]

Re: Current replacement heater cores.

Fred, I just added to post 6, take a peek.

[Fred Y.]

Re: Current replacement heater cores.

Hey Harry,
Actually it's from a 67 435 Coupe I found in a guys garage last Spring. I hit a home run !

Just a 67 BB coupe. No AC Harry.

These pics are from my 66 425 roadster car last yr, but I'm pretty sure they are the same.



Dimensions= 10" Length --Tubes to outermost side
6.5" Tall
2 9/16" Wide

I think you may be referring to the same Co in NH that told me to use this local guy near me. I think they are a Wholesaler. My 67 core still has to come out, but an easy task when the body is off the frame as it is now.
Thanks very much Harry.

Fred

[Fred Y.]

Re: Current replacement heater cores.

Guys, just "FOR THE RECORD" I want to make clear that I was not referring in my post above about any current PARTS VENDOR in Bpt. Ct about the bad experience I had with a Local radiator shop near me. REPEAT, I used a radiator shop near me. NOT a vendor.

Thanks again to the members here with the great suggestions. I always appreciate the input & advice from you guys !

[Gary R.]

Re: Current replacement heater cores.

Fred
About 10 years ago I had Branford Radiator fix up some 75 radiators for me and they did a good job. The owner was named Hal if I recall, I think he retired now but I believe they are still in business, it might be worth a call. Many of the old time shops are gone now, there used to be plenty around but lets face it times have changed a lot. Many marvel at how I build my boxes, diff's and arms but I also tell them Trolley Car mechanics were once highly valuable occupations too.

[Fred Y.]

Re: Current replacement heater cores.

Gary, Sure appreciate the input. I'll check out the Branford yellow pages today & see what I can find. In the mean time, Harry (above) was going to check the shop he used in NH once. Nice thing about the HC it's small & easy to ship.
Ohh & BTW , I LIKE TRAINS PLANES< & AUTOMOBILES so a Trolley mechanic is AOK in my book----Keep on Grinding baby--we need guys like you!
Happy New Year.

[Rob A.]

Re: Current replacement heater cores.

I'll need to replace my current original heater core. The original looks to be in very poor shape. Is there a preferred vendor/part out there. Sadly, I just see alot made in Mexico----Not my 1st choice by any means.I want to keep it 99% made in USA on this restoration.

Thanks,Fred

Fred,

I just went through this process a few months ago. I had Kirby's Radiator Repair in Fort Worth re-core my original. Since the cores are small enough to ship you may consider sending it some where reputable to have yours re-cored. Kirby's re-cored mine and pressure tested it for $200.

Rob

[Bob W.]

Re: Current replacement heater cores.

Fred If you can't find a shop near you I know of a shop here in northeastern PA.

[Fred Y.]

Re: Current replacement heater cores.

Thank you both Rob & Bob. Good info. Harry took his 63 (same thing pretty much) to the guy he used in NH & is awaiting back for a price.

It looks like $200 seems to be the magic # across the board from you guys-----------a sound investment VS ruining a carpet & MANY hours of labor & cursing by using a junk repo.

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Ohh while I have your attention, I know I told you I was unhappy with the work that was done on my main engine radiator.I'd like to test this before I install it also---(he said he tested it ,but----) My plan was to plug up both top & bottom outlets & the fill obviously, add some water & then add about 7-10 psi of air to it from the drain plug. Does this seem about right with you guys ?

Fred