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Old Feb 27, 2017 | 04:29 PM
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Default Heater Core

72' heater core:
What a pain to remove!
Q: Any advice regarding replacement of heater core with after market type? Size. efficiency, quality?
Much obliged again.
Dougtov
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Old Feb 27, 2017 | 04:59 PM
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I replaced mine 9 years ago in my 72, with a NAPA brand out of Mexico. I'll take Mexico over China any day.
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Old Feb 27, 2017 | 05:28 PM
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Hi D,
I don't think there's any choice of 'size' or 'type' because the core's configuration is determined by the size, shape, and location provided for it in the heater air box.
Regards,
Alan

Last edited by Alan 71; Feb 27, 2017 at 05:29 PM.
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Old Feb 27, 2017 | 06:07 PM
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check for leaks before installing!
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Old Feb 27, 2017 | 06:36 PM
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Thanks all,
The one I bought from NAPA is from China and is smaller than original, thus holding straps will not secure the core. Ever experience this?
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Old Feb 27, 2017 | 07:52 PM
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its thinner then the original you can add weather seal to the inside of the strap to make it hold or spend the money on the right one
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Old Feb 27, 2017 | 08:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Dougtov
Thanks all,
The one I bought from NAPA is from China and is smaller than original, thus holding straps will not secure the core. Ever experience this?
I paid 50 bux from RockAuto.com for mine, China aluminum, so thinner, held it in place with RTV black and some rubber strip between the core and one of the straps.....just say I glued it down.....

bitch of a job....4 hours/day 3 daze, and down to hooking up the hoses, but have to fix the brakes first NOW.....damnit....

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Old Mar 1, 2017 | 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Dougtov
Thanks all,
The one I bought from NAPA is from China and is smaller than original, thus holding straps will not secure the core. Ever experience this?
Yes, on my '74 that I just replaced the heater core in. What I did to get the core mounted properly was to resize, (read: cut down) reform and redrill the "base mounting feet" on the original hold-down retainers to accommodate the thinner core. L and W wise it fit fine. The core fits tightly in position like the original did. I used new MD foam weatherseal where the original had deteriorated and it works like a champ. My heat gets very hot and I do not notice any decrease in airflow through the more tightly spaced fins than I did the original. The tube positions also lined up properly, so hose install was easy. That was the only easy part of this job.

I would rather have another colonoscopy then to have to go through this job again. I've experienced both. The colonoscopy was less painful.
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Old Mar 1, 2017 | 01:33 PM
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Thanks to all of you for your comments. Here's where we are:
Original core shot--mainly inlet -outlet lines crimped plus core leak. I was able to buy a new core identical to factory specs for $70.00. As for the Colonoscopy reference; I might as well have another one since I'll be in the required position for it while I'm reinstalling heater, heater box, lines , etc!!
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Old Mar 2, 2017 | 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Dougtov
Thanks to all of you for your comments. Here's where we are:
Original core shot--mainly inlet -outlet lines crimped plus core leak. I was able to buy a new core identical to factory specs for $70.00. As for the Colonoscopy reference; I might as well have another one since I'll be in the required position for it while I'm reinstalling heater, heater box, lines , etc!!
TOO MUCH INFORMATION!!!!
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Old Mar 2, 2017 | 09:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Dougtov
Thanks to all of you for your comments. Here's where we are:
Original core shot--mainly inlet -outlet lines crimped plus core leak. I was able to buy a new core identical to factory specs for $70.00. As for the Colonoscopy reference; I might as well have another one since I'll be in the required position for it while I'm reinstalling heater, heater box, lines , etc!!
So where did you buy your core?
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