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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Interior & Equipment => Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) => Topic started by: fiddler on April 23, 2017, 08:02:47 am

Title: Heater core copper/brass or aluminum
Post by: fiddler on April 23, 2017, 08:02:47 am

I took out my heater core in order to replace the insulation on the upper part of the firewall behind the dash.  Mice got into the truck and used it for bedding.  (I had to get behind the defroster vents so one thing led to another).  Anyway, the heater core shows evidence of leaking so I will replace it now.  Which is more durable?  Brass/copper or aluminum?  My intuition is that the brass/copper is going to stand up better.  I would appreciate your experience and suggestions.

thanks,

ricky

Title: Re: Heater core copper/brass or aluminum
Post by: gunrac on April 23, 2017, 09:06:04 am

I think either one would be just fine. I haven't bought one for several yrs. but they only had copper for my 85' back then.

Title: Re: Heater core copper/brass or aluminum
Post by: bd on April 23, 2017, 11:36:17 am

Please include Year, Make, Model etc.. when posting (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=5220.0)

Use a brass core.  They are less susceptible to electrolysis etching.

Title: Re: Heater core copper/brass or aluminum
Post by: fiddler on April 23, 2017, 12:44:08 pm

Thanks much.  So I have seen brass heater cores at autozone for around 30 bucks, or from the classic truck online stores for around 100 plus shipping.  Do you really get what you pay for in this case or would I be just as happy with the autozone core?  Just can't imagine the 100 dollar unit is that much better.  On the other hand if the 30 dollar one leaks in a few years I will wish I spent the extra bucks now.  Also if the 100 dollar one leaks in a few years I will be looking in the mirror seeing a jackass.  The labor involved in a heater core on this rig is relatively extensive.