Heater core

[BigBlockTrucks]

Just finished floor pan and now notice antifreeze dripping out of the heater box. Does anyone make heater cores for these trucks still? It may have been leaking all along just didn’t notice a puddle since it was prolly draining though the holes in the floor.

[BigBlockTrucks]

It’s a model 87 heater

[PwrWgnDrvr]

Did you look inside yet? There are a couple rubber hoses inside the box that rot and leak. May not be the core if you're lucky.

[Wildergarten]

Just finished floor pan and now notice antifreeze dripping out of the heater box. Does anyone make heater cores for these trucks still? It may have been leaking all along just didn’t notice a puddle since it was prolly draining though the holes in the floor.

What PWD said about those hoses, and might I suggest silicone hoses and stainless clamps such that you'll never have to go back in there... except to clean it. I'm actually wondering if there is anyone here who has installed an easily replaceable filter on the inlet side. It can't be that hard to do.

[martincom]

Deleted. It wasn't for an 87.

[BigBlockTrucks]

Did you look inside yet? There are a couple rubber hoses inside the box that rot and leak. May not be the core if you're lucky.

I was hoping it was one those hoses, but no it is definitely the core

[BigBlockTrucks]

Advance auto autozone and Napa all said the same, nothing available to them. I’m considering a used core but may be better off modifying to put something from a newer truck in there.

[BigBlockTrucks]

Deleted. It wasn't for an 87.

Model 87 heater printed on the side of the heater. From what I have learned here there are a couple different model heaters in sweptline trucks.

[Hobcobble]

Deleted. It wasn't for an 87.

Model 87 heater printed on the side of the heater. From what I have learned here there are a couple different model heaters in sweptline trucks.

Bud Thorp was selling them. Give him a try....
https://www.61-71dodgesweptlineparts.com/

John

[martincom]

You didn't mention what year the truck was, so I took a guess and checked the 1963 - 1968 parts catalog. For a Model 87 heater, the heater core PN is 2511089. According to the catalog listings, this same core was utilized in heater Models 50, 86, 87, 88, 89 & 90. So I'll backup to the post I previously deleted and point you to a replacement core:

https://www.61-71dodgesweptlineparts.co ... or-non-ac/

The web page listing describes this as a replacement core for Model 50, 86 & 88 heaters. As it didn't list 87, I previously deleted my post in this regard. After consulting the parts manual, I would speculate it will also fit your Model 87.

Performing a web page search for the 2511089 part number, it also returned an exchange source, albeit rather pricey:

https://www.moparmall.com/Heater-Core-D ... 37-023.htm

dodgesweptline.org had a thread crossing the 2511089 to a Modine 4R710027. A search for the Modine part number yielded zero results.

[BigBlockTrucks]

The truck is a late 65. John mentioned bud thorp. Also kind of pricey . It’s not the top priority as of yet. I may bypass it for now. The engine swap comes first.

[Jim100]

I had one that leaked and was able to get it fixed at a radiator shop. Maybe yours is worse or not fixable?
jim

[Wildergarten]

I had one that leaked and was able to get it fixed at a radiator shop. Maybe yours is worse or not fixable?
jim

Given the design, by the time a heater core has fatigued and corroded internally to the point that it fails, it's hard to call a "fix" much more than a band aid. From what I've seen, these cores are very similar if not identical to those found in 60s vintage A-body cars for which new cores are available (albeit I can't vouch for build quality these days). It would seem to be worth the time to search for an interchange application list at this point.

[Jim100]

That's probably the best advise. Mine probably had some small easily soldered pin hole.

[martincom]

I'm with Wildergarten. Repairing a heater core is a band aid--that will fall off. The radiator shop we had here refused to attempt to repair them. It's a fair amount of work and a lot of mess to clean up when they leak. Considering the cost of antifreeze and if your time is worth anything at all, you just can't fiddle with it.

As far as trying to find one that may fit---again it is an effort in futility. Inevitably, you'll find one you think will fit. You ordered, it arrives, you spend half a day or more trying to make it fit, but fail. Hopefully, in that process, you didn't alter or damage it so you can return it. Now you have re-stocking fees and return shipping. You spent more than a will fit replacement attempting to fit a square peg into a round hole.

You'll be money ahead purchasing a correct, new, core from Bud Thorpe. The man has invested the time to seek out a manufacturer, he certainly had to commit to a significant minimum build order, and he has a fair amount of money tied up in inventory. My word, the man is entitled to make a profit.

[Hobcobble]

You'll be money ahead purchasing a correct, new, core from Bud Thorpe. The man has invested the time to seek out a manufacturer, he certainly had to commit to a significant minimum build order, and he has a fair amount of money tied up in inventory. My word, the man is entitled to make a profit.

Exactly. Whenever possible, I do business with those who support the
hobby.

John

[sledgehammer]

A few years back I googled heater core for our trucks and came across a site that sold them for $30 I believe it was. Never bought one as mine is good and don’t remember the site. When I tried to get one they were out at the time. Maybe try that approach, maybe they still around

[BigBlockTrucks]

After much reading here. It seams they were readily available till about ten years ago for under $40.

[goatguy]

I just replaced the heater core in my 1970 D100. This was a factory AC truck, so the core is different from the non-AC trucks and it was a pain to get that huge box out from under the dash. The AC trucks have the typical bolts/nuts out on the firewall, plus two brackets under the dash. One of the brackets goes up to a bolt that goes through into the cowl area is only accessible by removing the windshield wipers and cowl vent. Nobody makes the heater core anymore for the AC trucks, I looked everywhere and even called Thorpe. Then I got lucky, and found out that a spare heater core I had on the shelf for my 1966 GTO fit pretty well. Had to drill some holes in the brackets on the core to mount it to the floor of the box and drill a new hole in the back of the box and the firewall for one of the connections, which is about 1 and 1/8" lower than the original, but the dimensions of the core are right and you can still get them. The lower outlet connection is 3/4" instead of 5/8" so I had to do some hose adapting, but at least I have heat!