Dougtov

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

mortgageguy

I replaced mine 9 years ago in my 72, with a NAPA brand out of Mexico. I'll take Mexico over China any day.

Alan 71

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

lvmyvt76

check for leaks before installing!

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?

forman

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

mrvette

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....

Red86Z51

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.

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!!

mrvette

TOO MUCH INFORMATION!!!!

mortgageguy

So where did you buy your core?