Mid Year Console Finish & Heater Core Fun

[Craig Jewett]

While in the process of replacing the heater core and removing the heater box, I noticed that the black painted section of the chrome console plate on my '67 coupe has a "gloss" finish to it. I believe that this is incorrect. The '67 Judging Manual states that the correct finish of the black painted area should match the rest of the interior parts, which are semi-gloss. I have used Rustoleum #7777 semi gloss black in the past for refinishing in semi-gloss with very good results. I am hoping that someone out there has had experience refinishing this part, as well as suggested paints to use. (prefeably a paint that is easily available). Thanks in advance.

By the way, replacing the heater core on an A/C equipped mid year is not as bad as I was told it be. The core inside was original, dated "67 C". The only problem I have encountered so far is that the water pipes on the replacement core (from C/C) are closer together than the original. This makes it necessary to open up the holes in the cover plate a 1/16 of an inch in each hole. I think the only other fun part will be in re-installing the bowden cables through the upper level vent duct tubes. If anyone has any questions on heater core replacement, please let me know.

Craig Jewett # 28049 '67 L-79 A/C cooupe

[Joe L.]

Re: Mid Year Console Finish & Heater Core Fun

Craig----

Regarding the heater core, most of the current replacement heater cores that I have seen are configured slightly different than the originals. This includes the GM/ACDELCO brand cores. The original cores were manufactured by GM's Harrison Division and you will probably see that brand embossed on the end of the core. I don't believe that the GM/ACDELCO replacements are actually manufactured by Harrison; they usually lack the Harrison embossing and have minor configuration differences that usually require the type of modifications you describe. The GM part number for 63-67 w/o A/C, 3008574, has remained the same for many years, but the part has changed slightly, probably due to the fact that the changes do not represent engineering changes. The 63-67 heater core with A/C was discontinued by GM many years ago and aftermarket is the only choice now.

You did the right thing by slightly modifying the case. NEVER, EVER bend heater core tubes to get them to fit or for any other reason. Usually, the tube-to-tank joint is what fails on heater cores. Any stress applied to this joint is asking for trouble. In fact, whenever removing the heater hoses from the tubes for any reason other than core replacement, I recommend cutting the hoses lengthwise and removing them, thus sacrificing the hoses to avoid sacrificing the heater core.