Heater core issues
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 570
Likes: 65
From: Sebastian,FL
Heater core issues
This is for my 77 with a/c. I just received my replacement core from a reputable vendor and after taking it out of the box it is similar but different then my leaking one. It is noticeably thinner so the hold down straps no longer will hold it in place and the clamp that holds the tubes will no longer fit as the new tubes are much closer together. Have any of you guys come across this? and if so what did you do? This one I see is made by Spectra which is the brand I could have purchased at my local parts store for nearly half the price but opted to get one from a vette parts supplier to avoid any issues. Does any one supply a proper one?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
This is for my 77 with a/c. I just received my replacement core from a reputable vendor and after taking it out of the box it is similar but different then my leaking one. It is noticeably thinner so the hold down straps no longer will hold it in place and the clamp that holds the tubes will no longer fit as the new tubes are much closer together. Have any of you guys come across this? and if so what did you do? This one I see is made by Spectra which is the brand I could have purchased at my local parts store for nearly half the price but opted to get one from a vette parts supplier to avoid any issues. Does any one supply a proper one?
Hans
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 389
From: Woodinville WA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 7
From: Surrey British Columbia
I replaced the heater core in my '80. The guy at the Corvette Shop ordered me a core for a non-A/C car which was different. Blew me a way because all he does is Corvettes and you'd assume that he knew that all 80's had A/C as standard equipment.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 570
Likes: 65
From: Sebastian,FL
This topic came up here in mid-December '14: replacement-heater-core-fit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
My replacement came off of Amazon. A friend runs the local 1800 radiator company and recommended it to me. It fit perfect and is american made, out of Tennessee as I recall. It was about $60. (Oh, and my 79 is an A/C car).
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 570
Likes: 65
From: Sebastian,FL
Thanks, any chance you remember which one you purchased?
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 419
Likes: 15
Hi, I have a 72 w/AC and when I changed out my heater core, I had a really hard time finding one that was exactly the same dimensions and thickness as the original core. I bought a couple and sent them all back. Then I contacted Paragon Corvette and there's was exactly the same as the original! I'd try Paragon. It was copper and fit perfectly with no mods, as it should! It cost me $79 shipped last year.
Good luck
PS- paragon part #5770 for GM Part# 3015145. Replacement Style fits Corvettes 68-77 with AC.
Good luck
PS- paragon part #5770 for GM Part# 3015145. Replacement Style fits Corvettes 68-77 with AC.
Last edited by Jhiltonn; Feb 4, 2015 at 08:35 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Danville Illinois
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
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2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
I also went with the napa unit, perfect match.
The Napa cores are the Mexican units.
The Napa cores are the Mexican units.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 570
Likes: 65
From: Sebastian,FL
Ok here is the resolution to the issue for me. I had considered buying from one of the suggested places from you guys but before doing that I received word from the vendor that they would like to handle the problem. They were quick to send a return label for it and also checked into there supplier to see what happened. They ordered some new stock and after making sure they were proper sent one on to me it arrived and is correct in size shape and it's also copper, wrong one was aluminum. Not sure if it's proper to name the vendor, I didn't in the beginning as I didn't want to speak poorly of anyone, so if that's a no no please let me know and I will edit this, but there general concern and promptness to which they resolved the problem has made me a definite repeat customer of Willcox corvette
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,702
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Glad you got it resolved. It's such a miserable job with perfectly fitting parts that you sure don't want to add any complications.
Regarding your posting of the vendor name, seems to me that they stepped up and resolved the issue. Very few of these vendors make the parts they sell so mistakes will happen. If they're willing to take care of these issues, I can't see a reason not to post their name since it's a positive in my mind. It has also been my experience with them and part of the reason I keep going back.
Regarding your posting of the vendor name, seems to me that they stepped up and resolved the issue. Very few of these vendors make the parts they sell so mistakes will happen. If they're willing to take care of these issues, I can't see a reason not to post their name since it's a positive in my mind. It has also been my experience with them and part of the reason I keep going back.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 58
From: God's Country The Old Dominion
Ok here is the resolution to the issue for me. I had considered buying from one of the suggested places from you guys but before doing that I received word from the vendor that they would like to handle the problem. They were quick to send a return label for it and also checked into there supplier to see what happened. They ordered some new stock and after making sure they were proper sent one on to me it arrived and is correct in size shape and it's also copper, wrong one was aluminum. Not sure if it's proper to name the vendor, I didn't in the beginning as I didn't want to speak poorly of anyone, so if that's a no no please let me know and I will edit this, but there general concern and promptness to which they resolved the problem has made me a definite repeat customer of Willcox corvette
That's too funny. I went through the same thing last month with Willcox. The spectra was the same unit the local parts store had and needless to say I experienced the same problem. Willcox sent a return label but unfortunately did not have a copper one so I had to grab one from Zip. I have nothing but great things to say about Willcox and Zip.
