BB767

I had my '66 convertible out last weekend and when I got home I noticed a few drops of antifreeze on the passenger side floor mat. BTW, I was using the heater earlier in the day. My guess is a leak of some sort in the heater core. The car has a 327/300 engine, no A/C.

I've done due diligence looking in the Forum archives and I think I'm all set on what I need to do to replace it. From what I read, most new replacement cores don't quite fit correctly. Since I doubt it's the original heater core in the car I'm looking for suggestions on where to buy a replacement core that will fit correctly. I've had good experience with Paragon, Long Island Corvette and Keen Corvette Parts. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks everyone.

Thomas

Velox

I've used the heater cores from Paragon several times, last time about 6 months ago for my '66. I've never had a problem/leak/fitment issue with the cores from Paragon. I do not know where all the vendors source their heater cores from, all I can say is I have had good luck with Paragon.

Nowhere Man

If you have a old time radiator shop close by have your original re-cored

Powershift

And these "old time" businesses still use high quality parts in their rebuild process.

Larry

BB767

We do have a radiator shop that I've used for over 40 years for various radiator repairs. Talking with them they say that heater cores are a bit different and more difficult than radiators for repairs/re-cores and it might potentially be better to use a replacement if I can find one, just depends on what the problem is with mine. I'll remove the old one and take it to them for evaluation and if need be, Paragon sounds like they can provide a correct replacement.

That gets me started so thank you gentleman for your recommendations. It is always much appreciated.

Thomas

Nowhere Man

The resto part house most likely sell the same ones sold by your local auto parts store. There you won't pay shipping and corvette tax

Dennis Beck

The last heater core I put in my '66 AC/Coupe was from NAPA. Fitment was correct. That was 12 years ago. This is a job you only want to do once. Pressure check your replacement first before you put it in regardless of where you get it from.

keeks2915

I have replaced several of these.. 63 split, 66 BB and 69. Thye are right you only want to do it once..

I just did the 66 so if you need any step by step advice, cautions etc, drop me a Pm

BB767

Thanks everyone for the additional information. I'll post my progress.

About 4 years ago...



...I replaced the radio speaker, and had the radio freshen up. Since the car was apart I thought long and hard about pulling the heater core and taking a look at it right then. At the time though I decided, if it's not broken why fix it?

So I've been pretty deep into the car and know it's a bit of a project but I've got a nice, comfortable shop to work in and I'm retired so I'll put some vintage tunes on the shop sound system and have at it. This time I'm going to remove the passenger seat to give me a little more working room.

keeks2915, I might take you up on your offer so perhaps watch for a PM from me!

Thomas

tommyn

I installed a core from NAPA in 2008 on my 66. It matched up great, no fit issues and no leaks or issues since.

Pilot Dan

Order a new seal kit ahead of time or with the core. You will want to replace those for sure if you are taking it all apart.
Pilot Dan

keeks2915

Another tip, if you are replacing your carpet while doing this heater core, I found the BEST quickest way to get a pristine floor with all the glue residue gone. I use a dremel jam saw with the scraping blade and that crap peels up like you are peeling a potato. Zero elbow grease and no floor damage.