Heater core
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 274
Likes: 2
From: Pampa Tx
Heater core
Took the vert out the other day and smelled antifreeze. I confirmed my suspicion and the heater core is leaking
. I know it will take time and patience on the replacement with my big block, but my question is "What brand of a heater core to use and what brands not to use. I will not go cheap on an item like this, so don't recommend Autozone or other el-cheapo units. Now, what do the forum members recommend. Also, if there are any tips for making this easier on a 72 BB with A/C, please let me know. I have the books and have read the past posts, so any special/helpful tips from those who have actually done this would be appreciated.
Phlash 72 BB roadster
. I know it will take time and patience on the replacement with my big block, but my question is "What brand of a heater core to use and what brands not to use. I will not go cheap on an item like this, so don't recommend Autozone or other el-cheapo units. Now, what do the forum members recommend. Also, if there are any tips for making this easier on a 72 BB with A/C, please let me know. I have the books and have read the past posts, so any special/helpful tips from those who have actually done this would be appreciated.Phlash 72 BB roadster
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 3
From: Florissant MO
Recommend who ever you get it from, be sure and take it to a radiator shop and have them check it out. May cost a few dollars, but the peace of mind is priceless. Not a fun chore on any vehicle, let alone a Vette
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Very good advise to pressure test it before install. Any rad shop can do for little money. Another good idea is to braze/solder a spacer/support between the two pipes. Helps make them ridgid & less prone to movement...which can cause cracks.
Eddie
Eddie
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 1
From: SIMI VALLEY CA
Get a quote from a shop. If they say $500 go for it. It will be worth the money. (Less aggrevatoin for you) Look up MAJOR PITA in the dictionary and it will say: Replacing the heater core on a C-3 Corvette.
Do you know how the C-3 assembly line went? It started with a heater core then they put the dash board, then air conditioner,Motor, Frame and so on. EVERYTHING was built around that F'ing heater core!!!
I replaced mine (327 w air) while the motor was out and I'll never do it again. My new heater core is now bypassed.
Do you know how the C-3 assembly line went? It started with a heater core then they put the dash board, then air conditioner,Motor, Frame and so on. EVERYTHING was built around that F'ing heater core!!!
I replaced mine (327 w air) while the motor was out and I'll never do it again. My new heater core is now bypassed.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 274
Likes: 2
From: Pampa Tx
Thanks guys, but I live in the north part of Texas, north of Amarillo. We had snow this weekend. Also, I just hate having a car that has features that don't work. I have considered having the core replaced by a shop, but where I live the options are limited. I may drop it by the Chevy house and see what they will do, but who know how much that will be. I am sure the flat rate book I have from the 70's doesn't apply today. I think the Chevy dealer only has one mechanic left that was even born before my 72 was built.
Phlash 72 BB Roadster
Phlash 72 BB Roadster
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
I replaced the heater core in my 73 a few years back and it wasnt that bad of a job. No way is it worth $500 bucks 
to pay someone else. It only took me a few hours...
BTW: I got my new heater core from Zips and I didnt have it tested -- never any problems. Maybe I got lucky but I didnt have my brand bew BeCool radiator leak checked before I put it in either.
Cheers,
Crunch
to pay someone else. It only took me a few hours...BTW: I got my new heater core from Zips and I didnt have it tested -- never any problems. Maybe I got lucky but I didnt have my brand bew BeCool radiator leak checked before I put it in either.
Cheers,
Crunch
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
From: Cary Illinois
I replaced mine over the winter hibernation. 327 w/o AC, but it wasn't that bad imo. I had the whole dash out which made it a piece of cake. I bought my core from NAPA and had it pressure tested and reinforced. Went back in easily and works great Of course, maybe now that I'm done my memory is fading as to how hard the job was.
Of course, maybe now that I'm done my memory is fading as to how hard the job was.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Upper Darby PA
I kept putting off replacing the core in my '81 with AC. after reading threads from forum members on the subject, I decided to jump in. being interrupted a thousand times, it's hard to tell exactly how many hours it took, but my guess would be four of actual work. the core is a GM part made in Mexico. it cost me 10 bucks to have it pressure tested.
the more you work on your car, the more you learn about it. Rich
the more you work on your car, the more you learn about it. Rich
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
Thanks guys, but I live in the north part of Texas, north of Amarillo. We had snow this weekend. Also, I just hate having a car that has features that don't work. I have considered having the core replaced by a shop, but where I live the options are limited. I may drop it by the Chevy house and see what they will do, but who know how much that will be. I am sure the flat rate book I have from the 70's doesn't apply today. I think the Chevy dealer only has one mechanic left that was even born before my 72 was built.
Phlash 72 BB Roadster
Phlash 72 BB Roadster
Glenn
