Can someone explain the technical differences between a heater core for a non air-conditioned car and one for an air-conditioned car? Is it possible to inter-change them? I may be tempted to add air at a later date (like after I sweat a few dozen pounds this summer), and need to replace my heater core now. Thanks, in advance, to all who can help.
-
-
Re: 68 heater core
Slightly different size and shape, and the inlet/outlet tubes are configured differently; they're not interchangeable. -
Re: 68 heater core
John, I take it then if I do want to add a/c to my car, I not only have to change to heater core but the box and hoses as well. Or maybe a better question to ask is why can't I use the non-a/c heater core with a/c when I add a/c later? My head is starting to hurt again ;-)Comment
-
Re: 68 heater core
First, the cut out in the firewall for mounting the Harrison A/C box as well as the heater core has a different geometry and that's why the A/C heater core won't fit/work in your non-A/C car.
Second, there were MANY details of the car that changed with the inclusion of A/C and if you want to 'fake it' correctly, go figure you'll have to completely remove the front end and rebuild certain sections of the interior compartment.... Adding factory A/C is a MAJOR job and few do it right. Don't expect help from NCRS because club judging policy is to discourage dealer/owner inspired additions/deletions.
If having AC is a hearthrob issue, check into the aftermarket systems like Vintage Air. Yes, you'll still take a deduction, but it won't be because you tried to 'fake it'.... Plus, the aftermarket systems use more modern compressor technology and should cool more efficiently than the old factory original system.Comment
-
Faking it?
If I wanted to fake it, I wouldn't have posed the question on this forum. Just a simple question, trying to understand the difference between the cores. With no tank sticker on the car when I got it, nor AIR pump and ignition shielding, and no factory build sheet info available from GM, I have no idea if this car had a/c or not other than to be able to identify the difference in heater cores and radiator. As far as I know, former owner stripped everything to improve performance. IF I do put a/c in, it will be factory correct, and I'll be the FIRST to say I don't know if the car had it originally or not. I have assumed that an NCRS judge would prefer this over some after market street rod approach.Comment
-
Re: Faking it?
Dave,
There is a big section in the '68 AIM about the Air-conditioning option. It is probably 15 pages front and back. If you do not have a copy, I highly recomend it as it will be a great resource to you on your project. I believe it is available on the NCRS website.
Depending on your plans for the car, the 68-69 judging guide is also a very usefull resource
It sounds as if you are still working to get a handle on the scope of the project you are contemplating If your heater core is leaking, I would consider by-passing the core and not replacing it for now. At least until you have a source for the rest of the parts.
MikeComment
-
Re: Faking it?
Thanks Mike
I have both documents you recommended, and you are right in detecting that I am just now scoping out the task. The car is all apart, and I do have a source for all of the factory a/c parts sans heater core and radiator. My fault for posing a question without exhausting all available information I have at hand before taking up space on this forum. I appreciate your post.
DaveComment
-
Re: Faking it?
If your car had AC to start with, it would be obviously different from a non AC car. If you want to "correctly" convert to AC, it's a HUGE job to do in a factory manner as even the footwell vent setup is different and can only be accessed by removing the front clip at the firewall. In the long run, something would likely get damaged or messed up in the process and then you would hate yourself. The aftermarket AC units work great - something I can't say for my original big block unit - and there is little chance of damaging the car. In fact, the one I most recently saw on a '68 driver even used the original controls.
Good luck!Comment
-
AC
Dave,
Please don't interpret my earlier response to imply encouragement on adding AC to this car. Based upon the tone of your original post I inferred that you were begining to do your homework on "what would it take" and did not want my post to appear inflamitory. I hoped that when you reviewed the AIM you would recognize the size of this modification and reconsider.
If after comparing your car to the AIM you are unsure if your car had AC originally or not. I would recomend seeking out an AC car for comparison or finding someone knowledgable enough to help you make that determination.
Both Jack and Mark brought up the possiblity of the Vintage Air type aftermarket products. While I have not looked into them and have no knowledge of the modifications necessary to install such a system, if you're serious about adding AC, I would take a good look at these before you make changes to your car. As Mark pointed out, they may be more efficient, cost effective and reversible.
Good luck,
MikeComment
Comment