Sources for 2.5" heater core for a/c truck?

[BigRed76]

Are there any vendors currently making 2.5" heater cores for A/C trucks?
I have the original Harrison in my '70 GMC that started leaking (rotted on the corner due to leaves and dirt in air box), so I had it repaired but it didn't hold up very long so now I'm looking to just replace it. Thanks, Zach

[elimontfort]

Rockauto has 4 different ones available. I just got one from them.

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by BigRed76

Are there any vendors currently making 2.5" heater cores for A/C trucks?
I have the original Harrison in my '70 GMC that started leaking (rotted on the corner due to leaves and dirt in air box), so I had it repaired but it didn't hold up very long so now I'm looking to just replace it. Thanks, Zach

I don't know of any 2.5" ones.

O'Reilly's sells a replacement for your truck for just over $30 (2" core). It's aluminum so despite being thinner it will likely heat better.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...2709&ppt=C0331

[BigRed76]

Originally Posted by mechanicalman

I don't know of any 2.5" ones.

O'Reilly's sells a replacement for your truck for just over $30 (2" core). It's aluminum so despite being thinner it will likely heat better.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...2709&ppt=C0331

I've wondered about getting an aluminum heater core... I mean if an aluminum radiator is better for heat transfer in the cooling system then it would do better as a heater core too right?? And I've seen that most vehicle made within the last 15-20 years have aluminum heater cores and they have awesome heaters.

[BigRed76]

Originally Posted by elimontfort

Rockauto has 4 different ones available. I just got one from them.

I've looked at those available from rockauto but they are all listed as 2" thick, not the factory 2.5" thick.

[Acorn]

I searched high and low for a vendor that sells a 2.5. Never found one.
Local radiator shop said he could try to re-core mine but it cost way to much.
Ended up getting one from gmcpauls.

Get brass. Will hold up longer and heat better.
Google search brass vs aluminum heater core. (Not radiator)
Hope this helps

[BigRed76]

Originally Posted by Acorn

I searched high and low for a vendor that sells a 2.5. Never found one.
Local radiator shop said he could try to re-core mine but it cost way to much.
Ended up getting one from gmcpauls.

Get brass. Will hold up longer and heat better.
Google search brass vs aluminum heater core. (Not radiator)
Hope this helps

I took your advice and did some research on brass/copper vs. aluminum heater cores, seems that brass/copper cores are proven to provide better heat dissipation.

And it seems I'm going to have to settle for a 2" thick heater core, which I'm sure will still heat the cab just fine, but I have read about fitment issues with the 2" thick heater cores...

[Acorn]

As far as making it fit, I just used some foam pipe insulation in between the brackets and tank.

[BigRed76]

Originally Posted by Acorn

As far as making it fit, I just used some foam pipe insulation in between the brackets and tank.

Good to know. Does it still blow pretty hot with the 2" core?

[jdw]

Copper dissipates heat slightly better than aluminum, but both far out perform brass. And copper costs the most, so probably most of the repro heater cores are going to be brass in brass/copper mixes. Also probably why modern cores are made from aluminum.

[picklito]

I had the same problem and ended up having a local shop recore it. It was around $80 but the guy was able to get what looked like an original type core. He did a great job.

[BigRed76]

Originally Posted by picklito

I had the same problem and ended up having a local shop recore it. It was around $80 but the guy was able to get what looked like an original type core. He did a great job.

That's what I had hoped to have done with my original heater core, but none of the local radiator shops re-core heater cores, so they just "repaired" the leak. And then it leaked again after running for 30 minutes.

[BigRed76]

Well today I got a copper heater core from advance auto for $32. It was a 2" thick core as they all are, the width was 1/2" less too, but when I installed it in the heater box it still filled the entire opening so there was no air gaps around it. I had to bend the pipes a little to get them lined up, but other than that it fit pretty decent. It seems to put out just as good of heat as the original heater core so I'm pleased with it.

[mtdave2]

Sorry to resurrect an old post but I'm wanting the same info. Has anyone started making a core that matches oem?

[snipescastle2]

I have a spare "Harrison" heater core from my '71 build....it's for an A/C cab.......I'll take a few pics tomorrow if you're interested.....$30 plus the postage....sound good?
Let me know.
Ben Smith

[BigRed76]

Originally Posted by mtdave2

Sorry to resurrect an old post but I'm wanting the same info. Has anyone started making a core that matches oem?

I haven't paid much attention since I installed my heater core in January. I will say that I've been driving the truck pretty regularly for the last few months, since the weather has gotten pretty cold here, and the 2" repro heater core has done just fine. It heats well enough that I have to turn down the heat because I will get too hot, and that's with it being 10 degrees outside.

[davepl]

If I had mine to do again I'd get my big fat original Harrison recored. The biggest unit I could find in reproduction (didn't check RockAuto, should have) is under 2" and I have to shim it to keep from flopping around. Not ideal.

[mtdave2]

Originally Posted by snipescastle2

I have a spare "Harrison" heater core from my '71 build....it's for an A/C cab.......I'll take a few pics tomorrow if you're interested.....$30 plus the postage....sound good?
Let me know.
Ben Smith

Fill me in on the Harrison core, is it the same as the orginal?

[chewychevy67]

Harrison is the oem maker of the originals. I believe rads too. I had both my Harrison 4 core rad and heater core record by a local shop. It was a little costly but my heater core fits as it should. I too bought a aftermarket one and it needed shiming. Once those get loose the pipes get stressed and start to leak. For me it must fit 100% the way the factory made it to fit.

[snipescastle2]

yeah, the Harrison core I have is an original heater core from a 71' with air, I can take some pictures this evening after I get home from work if you like....
Ben

[kehstr]

I know car quest auto parts makes them, just bought one from them