Early 1971 heater core

[nsanow]

I had an electrical fire in the dashboard and have completely gutted the car and dashboard with new wiring harness. Before I install I am looking at a 41 year old rusty heater core and wondering should I replace it or take it to a shop to have it refurbished? It doesn't leak but since it is exposed I am wondering if now is the time to have it either replaced or gone through.

It looks like MSA may carry them but I am wondering if they are good or is better to have mine refurbed? How much refurbishing can a radiator show do?

[ajmcforester]

If you can find a good shop they practically can make a new one.

[Mark Maras]

Mac's Radiator Shop here in Portland. They're not cheap, but they are good. I would trust a rebuild from them more than a replacement.

[Kurbycar32]

Mac's Radiator Shop here in Portland. They're not cheap, but they are good. I would trust a rebuild from them more than a replacement.

While I was working with a 260 with a different core, I have to agree with this. I ordered and received 4 different cores from 3 different companies and found them all rotted and rusty. Ultimately I took mine to a good radiator shop and got one that looked brand new, because they made it there.

[Montezuma]

I picked up two cores last year at the MSA Garage sale; both were perfect and same quality as the original that was in the car which just happened to be a 71. I would highly recommend MSA's. By the way I got mine SUPER cheap....I love the MSA Garage Sale.

[nsanow]

Thanks for the reply and Mac's in Portland is just a few blocks from where the car is being repaired for the electrical. Thanks as always for the feedback

[Careless]

Is there any reason you can't have the original piece acid etched, and resealed with a vacuum draw system at a local heat exchanger/radiator service specialist? I've had one done before on a different vehicle, but it turned out great, and did not impede flow much, if at all.

 

what is the original finish on the OE heater core anyways? I see some refurb units painted flat black. Is it supposed to just be bare copper/brass color?

Edited April 20, 2015 by Careless

[grannyknot]

I have a heater core from a 9/70 Z sitting on the shelf and it is gloss black.

[Careless]

I have a heater core from a 9/70 Z sitting on the shelf and it is gloss black.

 

OE Finish?

Edited April 21, 2015 by Careless

[Namerow]

Yes.  OE core is gloss black.  Same for my 05/70

[Careless]

Right on! I'm going to take this one to be dipped, tested, and sealed tomorrow, then! I wish everything on this car wasn't sprayed silver. ARrrrrrrRRRrRRghghghghghghgh!

 

thanks!