Wonder if anyone has used an alternative heater core that will fit and replace the core from a 59 (custom 300). Im seeing that it is unique to this year and not finding any reman ones out there, plus its about $400 to recore mine (had it checked out). I could pay that and be done but I was thinking it would be nice to retrofit something from a different car if possible. Something readily available and much cheaper to replace if ever needed in the future. I did find one from a Honda that had the pipes running the same direction but the core itself was about an inch too long and wouldnt fit the pocket. Any ideas? or am I going about this the wrong way. -
Would it make sense to modify the heater box to fit the Honda unit? Might be just a few cuts and some fibergl*** patches.
good call, Actually after i posted this i went and stared at it for a while and i think all I'd have to do is trim the bottom (lower portion under the core in the pic) and extend it about an inch. No weird shapes or anything. that fibergl*** idea may work well for that. thanks
I used a 64-66 Mustang.... on my 57... and heater hose with aluminum hose joiners..... the mustang stuff is cheap.... I too looked at a 57-58 Ford heater core.. close to $500 before it landed here..... I think I have less than $150 into mine
Thanks Jeff, So did your 57 heater core sit in the box away from the firewall and you routed hose into the box? Mine sits in a way that i would have to run the hose through the firewall into the car to connect it. the original core pipes p***ed through the wall and into the engine bay where the hose then connected. was just concerned with having the hoses clamped to it on the inside of the car incase there was a blowout.
I used fibergl*** to repair a few small cracks and bolstered up a few areas on my 59 heater box. It adhered really well. Gee I hope mine doesn’t leak lol
Awesome fibergl*** looks like it will be the way to go. I’ll have to watch some tutorials as I’ve never worked with it.
From the stickys, Rock Auto https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3610299&cc=1136663&jsn=578&jsn=578 Autozone https://www.autozone.com/cooling-he...core/p/duralast-heater-core-399025/144410_0_0
Thanks, but if I retro fit something with a short pipe like that I’d have to run the heater hose inside the car. I was kinda hoping to keep the heatercore pipes on the outside of the firewall just incase there’s a blowout. I don’t know if that’s something to worry about or if I’m just over thinking that.
I totally understand what you are saying... On mine I used those br*** joiners to p*** through the firewall... I did not want the holes to cut into the heater hoses over time and possible movement. My heater core sits about 4-5 inches away from the firewall in a box as well.I was concerned that the lines would let go and cause a mess..... so far.. no leaks. Another thought(and I was going to do this but did not) is to buy household copper plumbing lines.They come in straight,90's and 45's. You would need to purchase a copper/br*** Mustang core(not the Aluminum one) and build your lines to fit and meet your firewall and go through it. I bought all of this to do that,...but being always in a hurry I chose the heater hose/joiner route. So if your soldering job is good and sealed.... it should work.There is way more pressure in household copper lines than what is produced from your car. I have kept all the copper bits for future use.... in case my core idea goes South.But so far all is good. At one time.. you could simply run down to your local Rad shop and get it repaired.... but around here.... the rad shops are gone.... just like water pump rebuilders and Generator and Alternator guys. I like the fibregl*** idea as well.... I just don't know if it would hold over time... and how to remove it once it was applied . Anyhow... hope this helps.... sometimes I feel Like a Cuban.... Trying to make something work for nothing. ha ha .
@Jeff Norwell the fibergl*** is to modify the heater box and if done carefully it will function like the original. @MDBuick68 you are correct to keep the hoses outside of the cabin. That’s why the originals always extend through the firewall.
Not that it matters but the Mustang/Falcon heater hoses run inside the car to connect to that heater core. I have had several Mustangs and Falcons over the last 55 years and only had one blow out the hose inside, a 64 Comet Cyclone. They now make silicone heater hoses that they use on Heavy Duty applications like police cars and racing vehicles. I think I would do that and save the $500 if it was me, but I am a cheap *******! Mark
As am I mark! lol that’s why I’m doing this Ok well it looks like I have some options here. Thanks everyone
The Jalopy Journal
