1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

[Patrick H.]

The heater core on one of the cars I work on went out today. After 47 years I guess it decided its time was up. Thankfully the car does not have AC, and it's dripping into the engine compartment and not onto the carpet inside.

Over the years many have mentioned that the copper/brass units available are less than stellar with regard to quality.
Has anyone recently used one that worked well?
Or have they instead had an original recored?

I found two aluminum heater cores available as well, the 98555 from OSC, and the 94555 from Spectra.
Any thoughts on using one of those instead?

The car owner is leaning towards a new unit if we agree that there is one of acceptable quality.

Thanks,

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

The heater core on one of the cars I work on went out today. After 47 years I guess it decided its time was up. Thankfully the car does not have AC, and it's dripping into the engine compartment and not onto the carpet inside.

Over the years many have mentioned that the copper/brass units available are less than stellar with regard to quality.
Has anyone recently used one that worked well?
Or have they instead had an original recored?

I found two aluminum heater cores available as well, the 98555 from OSC, and the 94555 from Spectra.
Any thoughts on using one of those instead?

The car owner is leaning towards a new unit if we agree that there is one of acceptable quality.

Thanks,

Patrick

Patrick------


I'm amazed the heater core lasted 47 years. My 1969 has had at least 3, maybe 4, over its life. In fact, I replaced one quite some time ago but it's still brand new because the car has been a "state of hiatus" ever since.

I can tell you this: if I ever need to replace it again, I'm definitely going with the aluminum core. I already have it "in stock". The aluminum cores have all welded and all aluminum construction----no solder joints like brass cores (the source of most brass core leaks) and no plastic tanks like most modern aluminum cores. I think that an aluminum core could be practically "immortal".

All of the aluminum cores I have seen have been foreign-manufactured. For that matter, most of the brass cores are foreign-manufactured, too.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

Joe,

Do you recall which brand you purchased?
The OSC looks a little neater and cleaner than the Spectra. The price is very similar.
I don't think that they are made by the same company since the end tanks appear a bit different from each other.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

Joe,

Do you recall which brand you purchased?
The OSC looks a little neater and cleaner than the Spectra. The price is very similar.
I don't think that they are made by the same company since the end tanks appear a bit different from each other.

Patrick

Patrick------


The one I got is from Spectra Premium. However, the box has the Spectra Premium part number but the brand name on the box is "Cooling Depot".

[Edward J.]

Re: 1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

Pat do you have a radiator shop near you? the after market ones are really not a good fit. The last one I did was on my 63, and the Radiator shop was still able to buy the old school core and rebuild mine. That would be the best way. It cost a little more but is worth it in the long run. You may have to travel to find one.

[Rocco S.]

Re: 1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

I just finished the heater core replacement on my '67 L79 with A/c. It was a terrible job and I decided to have the original heater core rebuilt by a local radiator shop. They were able to get the original core material and used the original, Harrison, date-coded tanks. They did a great job and the cost was $220. Not bad considering if I used a foreign made replacement (of questionable quality) that leaked I would have to repeat the job a second time.

[Sal C.]

Re: 1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

Patrick, I just tried to install a Spectra in a '71 with A/C, and I can tell you , it wasn't even close. Clamps were 1/4 inch from touching the tanks and the pipes were far off enough to not be able to install the plate. Too much modification to do and not enough trust in a Chinese part

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

Sal,

Thanks for the info.
I've ordered an OSC and will post an update when I get to that point.
If it doesn't fit, I'll then have the original redone.

Patrick

[James B.]

Re: 1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

Interesting post and thread!

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

Patrick, I just tried to install a Spectra in a '71 with A/C, and I can tell you , it wasn't even close. Clamps were 1/4 inch from touching the tanks and the pipes were far off enough to not be able to install the plate. Too much modification to do and not enough trust in a Chinese part

Sal------


Spectra has both copper/brass and aluminum cores. Which type did you have? What did you use if you didn't use the Spectra core?

[Joseph C.]

Re: 1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

FWIW These guys did a nice job recoring my original:

https://www.caparadiator.net

[Page C.]

Re: 1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

Hi Patrick,
I agree with Joesph Costa's post. Bill at Cap A Radiator has recored 2 mid-year original air condition heater cores for me. He does good work.
Page Campbell

[Sal C.]

Re: 1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

Joe, the Spectra I tried was aluminum. I haven't yet seen any recommendations for a suitable replacement so I'll probably go the re-core route myself.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

Joe, the Spectra I tried was aluminum. I haven't yet seen any recommendations for a suitable replacement so I'll probably go the re-core route myself.

Sal------

I'm surprised that you have an original to re-core. As I mentioned, I've replaced the core in my 1969 at least 3 times. So, it amazes me that a 1972 would still have its original core. If it's an original Harrison core or a Harrison replacement from the days when Harrison actually manufactured these cores, it will have a date on it.

The last heater core I installed in my 1969 (before I learned of the aluminum cores) was an AC-Delco of GM #19131997. This was a USA manufactured core and it fit OK----not exactly as well as the Harrison-manufactured cores but OK. It has been now discontinued without supersession.

I am very disappointed that the Spectra aluminum did not work out for you. While I've never actually installed one, I was looking forward to the day when I would. I just really like the idea of an all-welded, aluminum heater core. I really think that would be the last heater core I'd need to install.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 350 w/o AC heater core - source?

Sal,

Thanks for the info.
I've ordered an OSC and will post an update when I get to that point.
If it doesn't fit, I'll then have the original redone.

Patrick

Patrick------


I'm very interested in learning how the OSC works out.