benji94

Does anyone know where I can buy a rubber seal (not sure what its proper name is?) for the heater core? It goes over both of the heater core tubes and, I believe, anchors them against the fire wall. The car is a 72 Cutlass 442.

Thanks.

Steve

scubastever

have you tried :
ebay, the paddock, fusick , year one ?(in that order)

barring that, take the core to a local rad shop..im sure they have something that will work

Lady72nRob71

I do not think I have seen those before...
If you cannot find one reproduced, one could be made with some rubber scrap (tires?), patience, and southern engineering...

70Post

I think he's talking about the fairly thick foam rubber piece that slips over the heater core outlets. It keeps them isolated from rubbing against the interior side of the firewall.

If you can find some dense closed cell foam in that's about 2" or so thick you should be able to make one. Again...the foam is fairly dense...nothing like seat foam density.


Here's a couple pics of what I think he is looking for....this is a real "rubbery" type foam this one is from a non-AC car...don't know if AC cars have a different piece or not):

ozoneblue

I have used camper shell tape double it About what some new heater cores come with Or the foam insulation used on water & Ac lines

benji94

Yup, that's it. I've checked with Fusick, YearOne, The Part's Place, BAP, USAParts, AND ebay. Nada! The guy at Fusick's was the only one who admitted to even knowing what I'm talking about.

I guess making one is the only option left, though I'd guess its important to find the right material that will stand up to the heat.

Thanks everyone. I'll keep looking around. I've yet to check a radiator place but will put that on my list of stops to make.

Oldsguy

Every core I ever purchased from the auto parts store had one on it, I figured you could get them separately as well.

benji94

Dan...I've been thinking the same thing. I replaced this heater core a number of years ago and I'm wonderin if the gasket (if that's what's called) came with the core. This heater core appears to be in good shape so I'd hate to buy a new one just to get the gasket but that may be what I have to do.

Thanks.

Oldsguy

That would be too bad. It is hard to believe you can't get that thing as a separate item.

benji94

Ok...NEVER MIND!!!...I gave up the search for this and instead spent some time cleaning up the old one. Washed it real well and then brushed it lightly with a fine wire brush. It took all the dirt and caked on rust off and it actually looks pretty good. I'll re-use it and just apply some silcone around the tubes and on the side that is up against the firewall when I re-install it.

Thanks.

70Post

Good choice....stick with the original part....they survive very well and remain nice a pliable. No need for any silicone.