1966 Heater core

[Kenneth F.]

I removed the original heater core from my no a/c 1966, before it started to leak. I wanted to give the business to a friend who owns a radiator shop. He thought the old one looked great, would test it, and suggested I reuse it. He said it would be a better core that what he could purchase new. I originally planned to install a new one that was not made in China, figuring new had to be better than one made in 1966. Any help with the decision to replace it or reuse the old, would be appreciated.Thanks,Ken

[Frank C.]

Re: 1966 Heater core

Ken,

I had a leak repaired on my original heater core in 2005 by a local radiator shop. No issue since. I would follow your friends advice and would not replace the unit you have.

My 2cents.

Frank

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1966 Heater core

Kenneth,

You have heard the saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it", I think it's a good idea to have it checked though and while the heater box is out consider installing new door seals.

Sometimes I go for a ride with my 67 and turn the heater on low and I have noticed the heater box door gaskets are leaving little tel-tales on the floor.

[Carl N.]

Re: 1966 Heater core

if your friend will hot tank it and pressure check it and all is ok reuse it - i'vs had the one in my '65 done twice and it lasts about 10 to 15 years each time

[Kenneth F.]

Re: 1966 Heater core

Frank,Timothy,and Carl, I appreciate your help in making this decision. I see Doc Rebuild has the door gaskets, rivets, and instructions to repair the heater box doors. Would it be a good idea to solder the heater hose tubes to the core assembly?Thank you,Ken

[Harry S.]

Re: 1966 Heater core

Frank,Timothy,and Carl, I appreciate your help in making this decision. I see Doc Rebuild has the door gaskets, rivets, and instructions to repair the heater box doors. Would it be a good idea to solder the heater hose tubes to the core assembly?Thank you,Ken

Dr. Rebuilds kits is one of the better kits. Just realize that you will be taking the box completely apart (removing rivets, etc) to change the seals. So, while your in there you may as well media blast all the metal parts, prime and paint them, and restore any broken fiberglass.

I've attached our chapter newsletter with an artice about rebuilding the box.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 Heater core

I removed the original heater core from my no a/c 1966, before it started to leak. I wanted to give the business to a friend who owns a radiator shop. He thought the old one looked great, would test it, and suggested I reuse it. He said it would be a better core that what he could purchase new. I originally planned to install a new one that was not made in China, figuring new had to be better than one made in 1966. Any help with the decision to replace it or reuse the old, would be appreciated.Thanks,Ken

Ken-------


Keep this in mind: heater cores have a life. Let's describe it like this: when a heater core is brand new, it rates 100 on a scale of 100 to 0. When it starts leaking, it rates 0 on that scale. In between, it rates somewhere between 99 and 1. During this entire phase of its life it will test out just fine, will work properly (if not clogged), and will not leak.

So, the question you have to ask yourself is just where is your 47 year old heater core on this 100 to 0 scale? Given the effort and time involved in replacing a heater core, I'd want it to be a lot closer to 99 than to 1 but I expect yours is way closer to 1.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1966 Heater core

Very well chosen words Joe L! Simply put a 47 year old heater core should be replaced with a new core unless you want to go thru this exercise every 10 years or so. Like the above poster! Changing a heater core in a 66 once should be enough exercise to last a lifetime!

JR

[Kenneth F.]

Re: 1966 Heater core

Harry, Thank you for the newsletter and the great article on the the heater box rebuild. Your club looks like a great social happening. Joe Lucia and Joe Ray, Your case for new heater core replacement got my attention. I guess I am left with the predicament of, will a new core perform better than my old one? Thanks for all the great help. Ken

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1966 Heater core

Kenneth,

If you purchase a new core make sure it's pressure tested good before you put it in the car.

[Harry S.]

Re: 1966 Heater core

Kenneth,

If you purchase a new core make sure it's pressure tested good before you put it in the car.

Yes, and get one from Mexico not the far west.