1972 Heater Core - Which one to purchase

[Jeff Y.]

I need to replace my heater core and don't know which one to purchase. I'm seeing brands from Spectra Premium, Four Seasons, Ready-Aire, Vista Pro. Are they all the same? I really don't want to do this job twice by picking a substandard one and having to do it again in a year.

[Lyndon S.]

[Paul L.]

Re: 1972 Heater Core - Which one to purchase

This was my choice for A/C applications. For my 1974 in 2008. I don't know if they are still available.

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[Jeff Y.]

Re: 1972 Heater Core - Which one to purchase

Paul, I would like the brother to that one for a non-AC car. However, does not seem that you can get an AC Delco core any more.

[Paul L.]

Re: 1972 Heater Core - Which one to purchase

Strange. That was only three years ago here in Canada that I did that job. I "think" Joe Lucia gave me that number at the time and it worked for my local AC Delco dealer. Other members may have suggestions for a non-A/C car. I can't give you one. Sorry!

[Larry M.]

Re: 1972 Heater Core - Which one to purchase

I purchased one for our '72 from a local auto radiator shop in 1986. Generic brand, IIRC. Still working fine.

[Rich C.]

Re: 1972 Heater Core - Which one to purchase

If your finicky, N.O.S. ones are still out there, found one last year for my future restoration!

'73 LS-4 454 owned 21 3/4 years

[Jeff Y.]

Re: 1972 Heater Core - Which one to purchase

Does anyone have the AC Delco part number for the non-AC heater core?

[Rich C.]

Re: 1972 Heater Core - Which one to purchase

#3014900 is the # listed in my '73 parts book. I'll check my '82 parts book if you want to see if # changed. I've found on many parts the part # is superseded several times 'till they just discontinue them altogether! Your chevy dealer should be able to access all that info and do a dealer search of all #'s! ( at least mine does!)

'73 LS-4 454 owned 21 3/4 years

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1972 Heater Core - Which one to purchase

Whichever one you buy, it would be a wise idea to have it pressure tested at your local radiator shop before you install it.

Chuck

[Dick W.]

Re: 1972 Heater Core - Which one to purchase

Four Seasons parts are usually very high quality, come to think of it, they make most of the aftermarket A/C parts for the older cars.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 Heater Core - Which one to purchase

Paul, I would like the brother to that one for a non-AC car. However, does not seem that you can get an AC Delco core any more.

Jeff------


GM #19131997 is what you seek. I believe it's GM-discontinued but there should be some still around. Also, as Dick has pointed out, Four Seasons heater/AC parts are high quality. Very likely, they are the manufacturing source for the Delco piece.

[Paul Y.]

Re: 1972 Heater Core - Which one to purchase

I have found that the radiator shops will replace the core and put your tanks back on with the date on them. Best of both worlds-new core and dated tank that matches your vehicle. I'm sure Four Seasons has a supply of them. Just ask the shop before you commit with your old core.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1972 Heater Core - Which one to purchase

I have found that the radiator shops will replace the core and put your tanks back on with the date on them. Best of both worlds-new core and dated tank that matches your vehicle. I'm sure Four Seasons has a supply of them. Just ask the shop before you commit with your old core.

Paul, from my experience while owning a radiator repair shop in another life, you are way ahead of the game by replacing the core assembly. Brass, over a period of time, will work harden from vibration.

[Paul Y.]

Re: 1972 Heater Core - Which one to purchase

Paul, from my experience while owning a radiator repair shop in another life, you are way ahead of the game by replacing the core assembly. Brass, over a period of time, will work harden from vibration.

Thanks Dick, that makes a lot of sense and I will heed that advice on the one I am replacing in the near future.