Heater Core Replacement Suggestions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 478
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville AL
Heater Core Replacement Suggestions
Here is my problem. In 02 thru 04 when I was restoring my 81 and had the interior totally ripped out I thought what a great time to replace that old 20 year old heater core to protect the new carpet and have 20 more years without having to screw with it, seeing what a PITA it would be to replace (I even took the new core to the radiator shop and had it pressure tested before I put it in), great idea hu?...NOT!!! 
http://www.angelfire.com/al/swhite7/interior.html
Here I am just a couple of years down the road, total new interior and a floorboard full of AF
So here is my question, is there somewhere I can get NOS like at the dealer or one of the supporting vendors? What are decent replacement units that will last like the original units? I am not going to go with the local auto parts replacement again since this is something I do now want to do again
Any suggestion on a good replacement unit would be appreciated.
YBnormal...drive a vette
http://www.angelfire.com/al/swhite7/interior.html
Here I am just a couple of years down the road, total new interior and a floorboard full of AF
So here is my question, is there somewhere I can get NOS like at the dealer or one of the supporting vendors? What are decent replacement units that will last like the original units? I am not going to go with the local auto parts replacement again since this is something I do now want to do again
Any suggestion on a good replacement unit would be appreciated.
YBnormal...drive a vette
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
I had the same problem with my '76 cores that you are experiencing. I replaced the original after a little less than 20 years and the new one started leaking last year. Solution: I disconnected it by removing the heater hoses and blocked the engine and water pump water outlets. However, I live in Florida and use my Vette very sparingly and you may not like this option. As for a reliable new core, my experience over the years, close to 50, is that rarely do after market parts match the quality of OEM.
Last edited by Jud Chapin; Nov 18, 2007 at 07:47 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
That's a good option if they're still available. Gm is cutting off more and more production of the parts for C3's though. They recently stopped producing a/c evaporator cores for my '76 which I'm sure fits several other years.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
I put mine in less than 6 years and it was a Delco. No problems with the fit and no leaks. Check the Delco site and a few of the vette stores on this site to see if still available. I would think they still are.
