Best heater core??

Discussion in 'Parts wanted' started by BUICKRAT, Oct 18, 2021.

  1. BUICKRAT

    BUICKRAT Got any treats?

    Hey guys. Looking for a nice OEM heater core for a 71 Skylark, non A/c, 350 car. I've tried the cheapo aftermarkets and none of them fit. Can't rotate/twist the heater box enough to get the tubes through without bending the crap out of them, and well, you get the picture. On the original core, the tube with the bend in it is significantly longer than the other, allowing you to get that tube through the firewall first, and then rotate the heater box to get the other tube through.

    Any help appreciated.

    Steve
     
  2. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    Steve,

    There was one on eBay cheap that you could have re-cored.

    The last one I had my radiator guy do for a member on here was around $200 ish but prices have gone up the last 18 months, so it's probably a bit more now.

    However, it's a job you only want to do once, if possible.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-ponti...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

    You're in NH, so if you wanted to have it done here in Taunton, you could save on shipping by meeting up somewhere for the drop/pick up.
     
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  3. BUICKRAT

    BUICKRAT Got any treats?

    Thanks, Brett. Guess I'll keep my eyes peeled for a repairable one. I had a friend who said he could solder mine, and it turned out that he tried jb welding it instead without telling me. So now it is junk, I doubt there is any way to remove jb weld.

    So the lemans one will work in our cars?
     
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  4. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    Yep.

    The non air A-Body cores are the same.

    Maybe some heat will help remove the JB Weld?
     
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  5. BUICKRAT

    BUICKRAT Got any treats?

    I thought about the heat thing, but figured the heating of it would melt the solder. He globbed up where the tubes meet the core. I may try burning it off with a propane torch
     
  6. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    Either way, the core itself would need to be replaced.

    If you have a radiator shop up there, they can do it. Just make sure they use the good made in the USA Maine Auto Radiator cores out of Lewiston.

    They're the best available.

    20210317_085638.jpg
     
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  7. Matt Knutson

    Matt Knutson Well-Known Member

    Steve,

    Have you tried the heater core that Ames Performance Engineering sells? They usually have really good parts. (page 261 in the on line catalog). It's always a good idea to have any heater core pressure tested prior to installation.

    Matt
     
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  8. newmexguy

    newmexguy Well-Known Member

    I have some originals (heater cores) that have been checked by a local radiator shop here. Have had them for years, stored inside.
    Dave S
    Southern New Mexico
     
  9. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    Not to hijack the OP's post but Dave, if you have one for a 69 Riv with AC I'd be interested and feel free to pm me.
    Cheers, Bob
     
  10. 70X258

    70X258 Well-Known Member

    Year one and The parts place has them, I think around $80.00 Max
     

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