heater core
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 149
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From: jarrett north carolina
heater core
hi! i have a 76 stingray that i'm trying to put a new (aftermarket) heater core in. so far i've tried 2 new ones but they will not fit in the housing so that i can screw the hold down clamps in.it has been suggested that i use a file,but that is not what i want to do.i called chevy dealer and they said they could order a o.e. core out of michigan for 134.00.where the after market one is 50.00. has anyone had a similar problem with the core? and is there a difference in the part the core fits in as far as a/c and non a/c goes. when i got the vette there was no heating ducts in it,and i bought a complete unit from a place in fla.when the unit came it had an old core in it and it fit perfectly.what does an a/c unit look like and would there be any difference in the cores. sorry for the rambling----thanks----john
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 2
From: Circleville Ohio
Vader vette
The only thing is what your having issues with take the cheapie back and spend A little more for the good stuff. i would water test it before putting it in just add water to lines see if it leaks out.dont forget the cut off valve it is summer.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 47
From: Indianapolis IN
The heater cores for a/c cars are very different from those for non-a/c cars. The hose spouts for the a/c cores point down (when installed), whilst the spouts for the non-a/c cores point to the side.
I've not usually had a problem with fit - I've never had to file anything. I put five heater cores into my '75 Vette over the 17 years that I had it (a/c), and one core into a friend's '76 Vette (non a/c).
This is one of the few times that I actually recommend using the cheaper aftermarket parts over the ACDelco parts. Three of the five cores that I put into my car were the ACDelco. Each lasted a year before they started leaking. ACDelco stood behind them and gave me replacement cores, but I got tired of replacing the cores as part of a yearly maintenance regime. I always had far better luck with the cheaper aftermarket units.
I've not usually had a problem with fit - I've never had to file anything. I put five heater cores into my '75 Vette over the 17 years that I had it (a/c), and one core into a friend's '76 Vette (non a/c).
This is one of the few times that I actually recommend using the cheaper aftermarket parts over the ACDelco parts. Three of the five cores that I put into my car were the ACDelco. Each lasted a year before they started leaking. ACDelco stood behind them and gave me replacement cores, but I got tired of replacing the cores as part of a yearly maintenance regime. I always had far better luck with the cheaper aftermarket units.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 1
From: AL
i tried to install two AC/Delco on my 74 w/AC while the engine and dash were out. Neither would fit and i didn't want to put the torch to the tubes to bend them. i got tired of paying shipping back and forth on the new one's that didn't fit and just re-installed the original.
one of these days i'll have to make one fit
one of these days i'll have to make one fit
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385
Likes: 3
From: RTP NC
I changed mine in my '76 a couple of months ago and had to use a '77 model. I originally bought a '76 Modine model and it would not fit, my VIN number is pretty late in '76 so I exchanged it for a '77. If fit prefectly....
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Johnson City TN
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 149
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From: jarrett north carolina
heater core
thanks for the feedback guys. i have already filed too much on the housing with still no fit. hey dobroman !2001-how can i tell if my car is early or late. the vin # is 1z3L6S405823.i don't know if it is harmful to list the vin or not.i guess not. i am going to order a new core from autozone today anyway. thanks----john
Melting Slicks
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From: upstate N.Y.
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385
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From: RTP NC
thanks for the feedback guys. i have already filed too much on the housing with still no fit. hey dobroman !2001-how can i tell if my car is early or late. the vin # is 1z3L6S405823.i don't know if it is harmful to list the vin or not.i guess not. i am going to order a new core from autozone today anyway. thanks----john
http://www.vettesite.com/vin.asp
http://www.rogerscorvette.com/specs/76.htm