Heater core opions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**jweb** · 05-17-2018, 11:26 PM

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* · 05-18-2018, 01:31 AM

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** · 05-18-2018, 08:41 PM

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** · 05-18-2018, 08:51 PM

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** · 05-19-2018, 12:02 AM

Quote:

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.

05-17-2018, 11:26 PM	#1
jweb Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,208	Heater core opions 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 __________________ 1951 Truck, LS1/4L60 1964 Suburban, current project 2014 Silverado daily driver 1953 Westerner "canned ham" trailer, rebuilt 1974 Prowler trailer, rebuilt

05-18-2018, 01:31 AM	#2
Jesse Z Account Suspended Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 290	Re: Heater core opions 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.

05-18-2018, 08:41 PM	#3
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,710	Re: Heater core opions 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. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

05-18-2018, 08:51 PM	#4
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,710	Re: Heater core opions 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. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.



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