Heater core opions

[jweb]

I have a '51 with the deluxe heater, I replaced the heater core a few years ago. I recently read a post on here about adding a flare to the tube due to the higher pressure newer engines have and the risk of the hoses blowing off.

I took my heater core to a local radiator shop, they added the flare then tested the heater core. They told me it bulges when put under pressure.

So I'm wondering if this is because I'm using a stock style core like this
https://www.classicparts.com/1947-52...info/68%2D221/. Which says not to use higher than a #4 cap.

The local shop wants $280 to "rebuild" my core so it's strong enough for the pressure. My other option is this heater core
http://www.thebrassworks.net/shop/He...895d8211555697.

Looking for any opinions or other options

[Jesse Z]

Does that estimate include labor to R&R the core? If not, $280 to rebuild a little heater core is ridiculous. In fact, if your heater has already given trouble-free service for "a few years" then that makes me even more suspicious of the integrity of that shop. Visit another radiator shop, do some shopping around for a better price. Or since it's lasted this long, don't worry about it. Heater core failures usually aren't catastrophic they'll spring tiny leaks and give you plenty of warning.

[mr48chev]

If it includes R&R labor it may not be out of line. Brass works wants 299 for one but I can't decode their website to see if that is the correct one. One truck trinket vendor wants 169 for a 4 lb rated unit.

Best thing would be to do some serious shopping and checking. From my experiences here lately unless the radiators or cooling pieces are high dollar units the local radiator shops don't want to mess with low dollar units.

[mr48chev]

Bow tie bits has one they say will handle the pressure http://www.bowtiebits.com/store/stor...ategory_ID=137

I'd make sure it was the correct one you need though.

[jweb]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

Bow tie bits has one they say will handle the pressure http://www.bowtiebits.com/store/stor...ategory_ID=137

I'd make sure it was the correct one you need though.

I looked at that too but the end of the tubes aren't flared so I'm not sure I would trust it.

I got more information from the local shop and decided to go that route. They are going to build me a new heater core similar to the Brassworks with a tube and fin style core with stronger tanks.