1970 Cutlass Heater Core Replacement
Thread Starter
70 Cutlass SX
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,042
From: Bermuda
1970 Cutlass Heater Core Replacement
On my recent road trip to Brookfield WI my heater core sprang a leak, forcing me to do a quick by-pass. In the process I pulled one of the throats completely off the core (too much twisting ), and it got left behind. So I am looking to buy a replacement.
I know this is a worn out topic, and I am not asking for advice (unless you want to give it), but has anyone purchased any of the three listed in the attached photo? If so could you tell me your experience.
Inline Tube, Summit Racing, Napa
I know this is a worn out topic, and I am not asking for advice (unless you want to give it), but has anyone purchased any of the three listed in the attached photo? If so could you tell me your experience.
Inline Tube, Summit Racing, Napa
Mr. Johnson
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 574
From: Cleveland Ohio
The last two that I've purchased have not had the bracket that goes in between the pipes like the stock one has. Make sure you pillage it off the old one to put on the replacement. As for replacing the unit enjoy swearing! The second time around my son was old enough to help. Big fan of child labor when their willing and can fit into places I no longer can 
Thread Starter
70 Cutlass SX
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,042
From: Bermuda
Thanks Eric and Mr. Johnson. I will be sure to document this and share my experience with the group if I find a magic way to do it painlessly.
Eric - did you have to modify the throat angles in any way?
Eric - did you have to modify the throat angles in any way?
Administrator
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 42,496
From: Poteau, Ok
Let me rephrase, I bought a replacement for my model year. The only difference is the upper port was not straight in, but had a dog leg in it. After the proper cuss words and holding my jaw in the proper position, it went right in. To be honest there is no painless way to do it and if you have air... well lets say its worse. Take your time, and an extra set of hands to reinstall the heater box is desirable, I abused the wife.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,221
From: Brooklyn, NY
On my recent road trip to Brookfield WI my heater core sprang a leak, forcing me to do a quick by-pass. In the process I pulled one of the throats completely off the core (too much twisting ), and it got left behind. So I am looking to buy a replacement.
I know this is a worn out topic, and I am not asking for advice (unless you want to give it), but has anyone purchased any of the three listed in the attached photo? If so could you tell me your experience.
Inline Tube, Summit Racing, Napa
I know this is a worn out topic, and I am not asking for advice (unless you want to give it), but has anyone purchased any of the three listed in the attached photo? If so could you tell me your experience.
Inline Tube, Summit Racing, Napa
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 15,409
From: Phoenix, AZ
Hmmm, if you find a source for a good heater core, be sure to let me know as I still need one.
I bought one last year based on the image and description showing coper/brass made in North America (Spectra brand) but what I received was an aluminum heater core made in China. The tubes were bent incorrectly and there was no way it would fit through the firewall or get both hoses on. I sent it back and got a replacement that was exactly the same, so then I got a refund.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-absolite.html
I bought one last year based on the image and description showing coper/brass made in North America (Spectra brand) but what I received was an aluminum heater core made in China. The tubes were bent incorrectly and there was no way it would fit through the firewall or get both hoses on. I sent it back and got a replacement that was exactly the same, so then I got a refund.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-absolite.html
The problem with the aluminum heater cores is quality control. I bought two different ones earlier this year and both had the same issue: the tubes were not angled correctly so it looked as if they would not fit through the firewall, the 3/4" fitting was at the wrong angle so it would be nearly impossible to get the hose on, and the ends of the tubes were too close together to get the hoses on (and actually touching each other on one of the cores).
The catalog description for the heater cores in question said "copper/brass construction" but when they arrived they were aluminum. I called the tech line and was told they just recently moved manufacturing to China and switched to aluminum construction, yet there was a label on the box showing the core was manufactured in 2013 and it was clearly marked "Made in China".
The catalog description for the heater cores in question said "copper/brass construction" but when they arrived they were aluminum. I called the tech line and was told they just recently moved manufacturing to China and switched to aluminum construction, yet there was a label on the box showing the core was manufactured in 2013 and it was clearly marked "Made in China".
Thread Starter
70 Cutlass SX
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,042
From: Bermuda
Spectra is sold by NAPA ($40) and Summit ($45). Summit has a more expensive one ( about $65 )that they say is copper/brass. I will not have time to play around on this so I may just buy both and see which is the best fit.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 93
From: Yuma, AZ
FWIW... I got mine at autozone in 2012. No issues, took me about 4 hrs start to finish. I still have the old harrison heater core somewhere in the garage.
http://www.autozone.com/cooling-heat...4311_0_0_5281/
http://www.autozone.com/cooling-heat...4311_0_0_5281/
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 15,409
From: Phoenix, AZ
FWIW... I got mine at autozone in 2012. No issues, took me about 4 hrs start to finish. I still have the old harrison heater core somewhere in the garage.
http://www.autozone.com/cooling-heat...4311_0_0_5281/
http://www.autozone.com/cooling-heat...4311_0_0_5281/
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Tim Burleson
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Jul 19, 2011 12:31 PM
