heater core

[Rainer S.]

I have a 63 heater core, orig, but leaking.
I looked at the reproduction units available thru Paragon etc.
The pipes are galvanized, not un-galvanized, as the originals.
Since the galvanized ends will show, after installation, but the new unit would be copper, would it be better to have the original re-cored. How good is re-coring ? Price would be about the same...

Rainer

[Dick W.]

Re: heater core

Given the age of the heater core, I would definitely go with a new core assembly. The effects of vibration, corrosion, and just plain age affect the brass tanks and tubes. For a lack of a better definition, it becomes rotten.

[Gary Schisler]

Re: heater core

The previous owner of my low mileage 72 had to replace the heater core. The replacement units were slightly different than the original so he took his old but leaking core down to the local radiator shop and had them un-solder the end caps and put them on his new core. The fit, finish and look are like original. I have the old core so I believe what he was telling me.

This might be an option for you.
Gary

[Mike M.]

Re: heater core

agree with gary. just have local radiator shop install the core from the replacement between the pair of original tanks. original tanks don't go south. mike

[Joe L.]

Re: heater core

Rainer-----

I think that lately, some of the aftermarket heater cores do have the ends of the tubes partially zinc plated or otherwise "coated". I'm sure that this is done for a good reason and is, likely, a benefit. They don't add extra-cost operations to a part just for the hell of it. In any event, if you wish to remove the coating, it should be quite simple. Just immerse the tubes in a weak solution of muriatic acid (i.e. pool acid). Be very careful that you don't use too strong of a solution and don't leave the tubes in there too long. You need to watch the process carefully. Keep quickly dipping and removing the tubes (about 5-10 seconds per dip) until the coating is just gone. Then, fully flush the tubes by dipping in water. Plug the ends with corks, if you can, before you do this operation.

I don't know if the Delco cores have coated tubes yet. A Delco core is Delco #15-60119, aka GM #52484057 (unless the car has C-60). From a Delco dealer, you should be able to buy this core for about 100 bucks.

Tip: some of the aftermarket cores come with lifetime warranties. Of course, these cores won't last any longer than any other core. The rationale is that you'll sell the car before you need the next core but, in the meantime, the warranty makes you "feel good". If you plan to keep your Corvette for a long time, though, when the core does go out (and, you've kept your receipt), you go down and get a new one for free. That makes heater core replacement a little less painful. I mean, it's a pain to replace a heater core, but you'll end up having to replace it whether you get the new one for free, or not. So, in that case, it's better to get one for free.