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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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, 201510 yr by Careless

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

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

 

OE Finish?

Edited April 21, 201510 yr by Careless

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

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!