Heatre Core Matieral - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*ck5566* · 08-25-2016, 07:39 PM

I have heard different opinions on the type of Material or Materials used for the heater cores in our trucks like Copper and or Copper Brass. Any body out there know what they were made of? thanks in advance

In The Ten Ring · 08-25-2016, 08:34 PM

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but the original cores were copper and brass. Modern radiators (including heater cores) are aluminum or aluminum and plastic.

My original heater core had a leak that according to the radiator shop could not be patched so I had them find me a copper and brass replacement.

I think Classic Industries carries copper and brass heater cores, according to a catalog I have.

**FirstOwner69** · 08-26-2016, 12:49 AM

I just bought an APDI/PRO copper/brass heater core from Rock Auto for my A/C truck. It looks just like the one from Classic Industries for about 1/2 the price ($46). I haven't installed it yet.

However, the APDI/PRO for the non A/C trucks looks like aluminum.

CastIron · 08-26-2016, 01:27 AM

I replaced my leaking original earlier this year with an all aluminum one. It seems to work fine so far. The inlet and outlet tubes do seem a little more flexible than the original however. All the newer cars I've worked on use all aluminum cores, and they seem to last a long time. I would have no worries using either style personally.

*ck5566* · 08-26-2016, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstOwner69

I just bought an APDI/PRO copper/brass heater core from Rock Auto for my A/C truck. It looks just like the one from Classic Industries for about 1/2 the price ($46). I haven't installed it yet.

However, the APDI/PRO for the non A/C trucks looks like aluminum.

I don't have A/C so wont do me any good there. I also seen Rock Auto having them and I was going to call and ask what material its made with but haven't did so yet.

davepl · 08-26-2016, 11:52 AM

My original Harrison unit was copper-brass, as was the repro unit I replaced it with. The repro was much thinner, I should have had my original re-cored (or inspected, it could be fine). In other words, the repros aren't anywhere near as substantial.

*ck5566* · 08-26-2016, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davepl

My original Harrison unit was copper-brass, as was the repro unit I replaced it with. The repro was much thinner, I should have had my original re-cored (or inspected, it could be fine). In other words, the repros aren't anywhere near as substantial.

Thinner, are saying it being not the (I think) 2 1/2" wide core Original Harrisons, most what I have found in the repop's being in the range of Under 2" wide core?

In The Ten Ring · 08-27-2016, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davepl

My original Harrison unit was copper-brass, as was the repro unit I replaced it with. The repro was much thinner, I should have had my original re-cored (or inspected, it could be fine). In other words, the repros aren't anywhere near as substantial.

OK, good to know, thanks. I kept my original, the leak couldn't be fixed but the rad. shop guy found me one (also copper/brass). I might get my original recored then and stash it away.

I think I'll get my original radiator recored also and stash it away as well, when I have more funds.

davepl · 08-27-2016, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ck5566

Thinner, are saying it being not the (I think) 2 1/2" wide core Original Harrisons, most what I have found in the repop's being in the range of Under 2" wide core?

Sorry I don't have a measured dimension for either, but to get the retaining brackets to work I had to shim it with a piece of wood, so I wouldn't be surprised if the repro is 1/2 to 1" thinner than the original.

*ck5566* · 08-27-2016, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davepl

Sorry I don't have a measured dimension for either, but to get the retaining brackets to work I had to shim it with a piece of wood, so I wouldn't be surprised if the repro is 1/2 to 1" thinner than the original.

I think what I have read from others here that the width of the repops are thinner and yes a Shimming method is needed to make them work. There's a couple of companies/catalog places that have Copper/Brass Cores but will call and ask what the dimensions are. I have called a few Radiators Shops to see if they can re-core them and all answers so far are NO. So the hunt goes on & on & on.

davepl · 08-27-2016, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ck5566

I think what I have read from others here that the width of the repops are thinner and yes a Shimming method is needed to make them work. There's a couple of companies/catalog places that have Copper/Brass Cores but will call and ask what the dimensions are. I have called a few Radiators Shops to see if they can re-core them and all answers so far are NO. So the hunt goes on & on & on.

Then I guess I don't feel so bad that I didn't get mine recored! I still have my original, and it didn't leak, but it's 40 years old, so they're a bit of a time bomb by that age...

*ck5566* · 08-27-2016, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davepl

Then I guess I don't feel so bad that I didn't get mine recored! I still have my original, and it didn't leak, but it's 40 years old, so they're a bit of a time bomb by that age...

Your are probably right on the Time Bomb if past owners Only Used Water. Anti Freeze does add a little lubricant to the system I think

Jarvis-69 GMC 1500CK · 08-27-2016, 02:44 PM

Im able to pick one up for 50$ from my local parts store for a 69 GMC 1500.

Do not know the details on it, but its apparently a new reproduction part.

*ck5566* · 08-27-2016, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jarvis-69 GMC 1500CK

Im able to pick one up for 50$ from my local parts store for a 69 GMC 1500.

Do not know the details on it, but its apparently a new reproduction part.

There is a few places out there that sell repops' but the thing is they don't measure up to a proper fit, Too thin. Original is 2.5" thick & repop's are 2" and under. Repop's typically $45 to some times north of $65

**RodnRudy** · 08-27-2016, 06:19 PM

I bought this one for my 68, fit perfect and is the same dimensions as original Harrison.
https://www.npdlink.com/store/produc...64-100664.html

*ck5566* · 08-27-2016, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodnRudy

I bought this one for my 68, fit perfect and is the same dimensions as original Harrison.
https://www.npdlink.com/store/produc...64-100664.html

Did the two top n bottom round rod Brackets fit without any kind of shimming or things like that? You know fit like a Glove. Huh

**RodnRudy** · 08-28-2016, 07:40 AM

No shimming, it was a nice snug fit. I used the gasket that goes around the opening with no problem also.
Make sure your brackets are positioned correctly, they only go one way.

*ck5566* · 08-28-2016, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodnRudy

No shimming, it was a nice snug fit. I used the gasket that goes around the opening with no problem also.
Make sure your brackets are positioned correctly, they only go one way.

Wow one out of 10,000 repop parts that fit amazing. Thanks Phil

08-25-2016, 07:39 PM	#1
ck5566 Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Rancho Mirage, Ca. Posts: 875	Heatre Core Matieral I have heard different opinions on the type of Material or Materials used for the heater cores in our trucks like Copper and or Copper Brass. Any body out there know what they were made of? thanks in advance

08-25-2016, 08:34 PM	#2
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,427	Re: Heatre Core Matieral Someone correct me if I'm wrong but the original cores were copper and brass. Modern radiators (including heater cores) are aluminum or aluminum and plastic. My original heater core had a leak that according to the radiator shop could not be patched so I had them find me a copper and brass replacement. I think Classic Industries carries copper and brass heater cores, according to a catalog I have.

08-26-2016, 12:49 AM	#3
FirstOwner69 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,854	Re: Heatre Core Matieral I just bought an APDI/PRO copper/brass heater core from Rock Auto for my A/C truck. It looks just like the one from Classic Industries for about 1/2 the price ($46). I haven't installed it yet. However, the APDI/PRO for the non A/C trucks looks like aluminum. Last edited by FirstOwner69; 08-26-2016 at 12:55 AM.

08-26-2016, 01:27 AM	#4
CastIron Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Oregon Posts: 330	Re: Heatre Core Matieral I replaced my leaking original earlier this year with an all aluminum one. It seems to work fine so far. The inlet and outlet tubes do seem a little more flexible than the original however. All the newer cars I've worked on use all aluminum cores, and they seem to last a long time. I would have no worries using either style personally.

08-26-2016, 11:52 AM	#6
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,334	Re: Heatre Core Matieral My original Harrison unit was copper-brass, as was the repro unit I replaced it with. The repro was much thinner, I should have had my original re-cored (or inspected, it could be fine). In other words, the repros aren't anywhere near as substantial. __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

08-27-2016, 02:44 PM	#13
Jarvis-69 GMC 1500CK Registered User Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: North Sask, Canada Posts: 84	Re: Heatre Core Matieral Im able to pick one up for 50$ from my local parts store for a 69 GMC 1500. Do not know the details on it, but its apparently a new reproduction part.

08-27-2016, 06:19 PM	#15
RodnRudy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: New Palestine In Posts: 932	Re: Heatre Core Matieral I bought this one for my 68, fit perfect and is the same dimensions as original Harrison. https://www.npdlink.com/store/produc...64-100664.html __________________ Phil "Money is only a tool to create and achieve what you want most in life" PayPal: rodnrudy@comcast.net

08-28-2016, 07:40 AM	#17
RodnRudy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: New Palestine In Posts: 932	Re: Heatre Core Matieral No shimming, it was a nice snug fit. I used the gasket that goes around the opening with no problem also. Make sure your brackets are positioned correctly, they only go one way. __________________ Phil "Money is only a tool to create and achieve what you want most in life" PayPal: rodnrudy@comcast.net



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