Heater Core "American Made" ??
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Heater Core "American Made" ??
Anybody have experience with "Northern" brand heater cores?? made in
Willmar, Minnesota....wow an american made product.
I would be willing to pay a little more if A/M and a quality product
....doing my 72' and would like to make sure I only have to do the job one time.
http://www.northernfactory.com/Content/AboutUs_Home
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heater-Core-...9095%26ps%3D54
Willmar, Minnesota....wow an american made product.
I would be willing to pay a little more if A/M and a quality product
....doing my 72' and would like to make sure I only have to do the job one time.
http://www.northernfactory.com/Content/AboutUs_Home
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heater-Core-...9095%26ps%3D54
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
I stuck with GM when I did the job three years ago. It may be a little more expensive but if I remember correctly it was about the Northern price. My Chevrolet dealer ordered it in for me, saving shipping.
Last edited by Paul L; Dec 9, 2012 at 09:28 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
That looks like a nice part. I have my car apart to replace the heater core and I have three to choose from. The new one I bought is made from tinfoil. I still have the original and I'm thinking about having it recored. What I like about the part in the photo is the two pipes are soldered together like the original. The replacement units I have don't have this, which I think will place more stress on the solder loints at the core.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
I cannot guarantee that the Delco (Made in USA) core is any better than the $40.00 versions. I just felt it would be and it has been fine to date. My thought was that QC (quality control) by GM/Delco in the USA is better than what exists in China. BTW, it was pressure tested before installation.
That is a job I do NOT want to do again!!
That is a job I do NOT want to do again!!
Last edited by Paul L; Dec 9, 2012 at 01:39 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
That looks like a nice part. I have my car apart to replace the heater core and I have three to choose from. The new one I bought is made from tinfoil. I still have the original and I'm thinking about having it recored. What I like about the part in the photo is the two pipes are soldered together like the original. The replacement units I have don't have this, which I think will place more stress on the solder loints at the core.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
I just got my heater core out today. I was hoping to do it from the engine side while I have the engine out, but its not possible that way. I had to pull most of the dash out, although I didn't have to remove the dash pad. You can pull it back enough to get the heater box out. Anyway, sure enough, my heater core was leaking because the solder joint let go where the pipe enters the tank. I'm betting its because the two pipes were not soldered together like on the factory part. I ended up using the replacement core but I soldered a copper strap between the two pipes to brace them. Of course I got 20 years out of the last one without the brace.
Last edited by Paul L; Dec 9, 2012 at 08:52 PM.
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