Death Notice

[Bill C.]

The heater core in this old car just died but it wasn't unexpectedly since it was some 40 years old. The problem it created was the worst, the soaked carpet. Would someone have a method to dry the carpet without removing it ? I removed as much fluid as possible with towels and also put some on the the area overnight but there still seem to be a small amount which isn't drying. Any suggestions are appreciated with replacing the carpet as a last resort.
Thanks, Bill #20328

[Joe C.]

Re: Death Notice

Bill,

Any antifreeze (ethylene glycol) within your coolant will NEVER dry! I suggest liberally adding water to dilute the saturated area, and then sopping it up with turkish towels, or similar. Repeat this 2-3 times, or until the antifreeze is almost completely removed. On the final go-round, be extra vigorous in the sop-up, and repeat with dry cloths, pressing in vigorously. Disconnect the battery, open both doors (drop the top, too, if applicable) and let it sit in a well ventilated area, preferrably in the sun, until dry. This last step should take no more than 5-6 hours in summer sunshine.

Joe

[Bill W.]

Re: Death Notice

Bill,

Bite the bullet, pull the seat and do it right. With carpet removed, you can rinse it clean and let it air dry. No worry about rot, smell or milldew. You can leave the carpet in place and clean, I just think a better job will be done by removing it. One other consideration....think of all the money you may find under the seat. Good luck, Bill

[Bob Simard]

One small change

Flood the carpet with water several times as mentioned above and save the towels for the last "rinse". Use a wet/dry shopvac to vacuum as much of the water out as you can on each intermediate step. This will make the process go faster and use way less towels. The shopvac idea works great too if you remove the carpet. Don't ask me how I know this.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Death Notice

Depending on the color of the carpet, don't be surprised if you lose the dye color. My friend lost the original carpet out of his 72 LT-1 AC car due to having a heater core let loose.

Patrick

[Bill C.]

Re: Death Notice

Thanks guys, we're off to the garage with water and a shop vac. Thanks for all the responces...........................Bill #20328

[Terry M.]

Re: Death Notice

Bill, Be sure to get all the coolant out with liberal rinses of water. If the coolant is left to puddle on the floor it will eventually soak into and through the fiberglass. Remember in Minnesota when we rinsed off the engine compartment of your red 1971?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Death Notice

That red 71 was a beautiful car.

Patrick