C1: Cost of heater core

[Michael Jones]

I've removed the leaking heater core from my '57 and now am deciding whether to recore or replace the core. I've checked the catalogs and Corvette America wants $200 for their new cores and Corvette Central only asks $100. It's hard to believe they are talking about the same thing. Is it possible for prices to vary so much between vendors?

Michael

[Joe L.]

Re: C1: Cost of heater core

Michael-----

I doubt that there are too many manufacturing sources for C1 heater cores. There just wouldn't be enough demand to justify it anymore. The 56-62 Corvette heater core, GM #3136553, was unique to the Corvette application.

So, I expect, but don't know for sure, that all are sourced from the same manufacturer. You might want to check with each vendor to see which brand core that they sell. If they are the same, then the parts are the same. If they are different, they may still be the same thing inside the box since, for low volume pieces, sometimes one manufacturer will make the piece and then wholesale it to the others for their own branding and boxing or brand and box it for them. One important thing that you may be able to find out, though, is this: what is the country of manufacture of the cores? If one is US and the other is Taiwan, that may provide some useful information regarding the price difference. However, that does not NECESSARILY mean that the Taiwan product is bad. Many Taiwan products are now quite good.

[Jim T.]

Re: C1: Cost of heater core

Have you asked your local radiator shops if they can order a heater core for you car?

[James F.]

Re: C1: Cost of heater core

Michael,
Within the last two months I had my '56 heater recored. Sent it to a shop on Long Island. They did good work, however the date code was lost in the sodering process. Little matter, no one could ever see it. Let me know off line if you need the address. Regards

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1: Cost of heater core

It worked for me a few years ago at a small radiator shop. I was in there for something else, and not expecting much, asked. He looked it up, and said it would be under $100, and they'd have it tomorrow. Maybe it also fits another car. Makes sense that the distributors of heater cores carry them for old cars. After all, when does the heater core need replacement?

It always cracks me up when I order and get parts for my 1962 over the counter at a local store.

[Joe L.]

Re: C1: Cost of heater core

Chris-----

Most Corvette parts that are relatively easily available at the corner auto parts store are those that have commonality with other Chevrolet models. Even for 50s and 60s era cars, such parts are often available. However, when one gets into Corvette-specific parts, things usually change, especially for C1-era parts.