Best replacement Heater Core brand?

[jtherrien]

Hey all,

Just ripped the dash apart to take out the heater core. Ordered one from Amazon and, surprise, it doesn't fit. Time to exchange for a new one, but all of the reviews say that these companies suck. Spectra, OSC, etc. Who do you guys recommend?

After this is done, the interior is going back together for good, so I'd rather not have to pull this back apart for a $20 heater core.

 

[Gary S]

Go to your local auto parts store and pick up whatever brand they sell. Then, if it doesn't fit, you take it right back. If you do that, you can have it together today yet.

 

[1972_Z-28]

I think he is asking for specific brand part.
I researched last year and read nothing but bad reviews on most of the parts, most saying they started leaking within a year.
Most cars it is a PITA to get them out.
I would say get OEM if available and also read any online reviews for your particular car and part manufacturer.
Good luck and hope you get a good part that lasts.

 

[BillyDean7173]

I would say get OEM if available

^This. You may want to find someone that will restore your old one if all else fails.

 

[Twisted_Metal]

The heater core for A/C and non-A/C cars is quite different. (Amazon may have listed/pictured or sent the wrong one.)
I have a new heater core in my garage awaiting installation. (RockAuto? I'm not sure.)

I connected it to the hoses to pressure test it and left it sitting on the fender well for the test.

I've seen reports of people going through all of the work of replacing it only to find the new one wasn't soldered well.

Be careful not to bend the inlet/outlet pipes during installation, you could crack the soldered joints and be right back to square one.

 

[COPO]

Recore the orig.

 

[jtherrien]

Thanks for the replies guys. The Original (appears to be a Harrison 78E?) busted right at the solder joint of the inlet pipe. There is a local company that specializes in all things cooling, I will see if they can help out for a reasonable price.

The car had factory A/C. I bought the same PN that RockAuto had suggested for a car w/ A/C on Amazon (it was actually cheaper w/ prime shipping on Amazon, surprisinglY) yet it did not fit. If I can find an AC Delco/OEM or get this one rebuilt, I think that will be the way to go.

 

[Jet]

Interested here as well. Got the heater box/core out this past weekend, and the new heater cores are understandably thinner than the OEM. Thinking of getting the original one recored, for security as well as fitment.........

 

[70lt1z28]

I just did my original but it wasn’t cheap. Almost 200.00.

 

[xten]

Got tired of replacing them in my 383 S-10. I'd jump on it and it would piss all over the passenger's leg. Kid JB Welded a washer onto the inlet to restrict pressure going in on the last one we put in and it's been fine for years.