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  1. #1
    FEP Power Member
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    Default Heater Core options (w/AC)

    Now that the Motorcraft heater cores have vanished, the options seem to be limited to the aftermarket replacements which most agree are of questionable quality. There is another option but it is not cheap. The original Ford heater core can be recored by a quality radiator shop. It only takes a few days. I just had one done and will be installing it in my 84 GT or 89 LX Sport.
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    03 Mach 1 7900 miles, 74 Mustang II, 69 Mustang, 67 Mustang, 07 GT500,
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  2. #2
    FEP Power Member mcb82gt's Avatar
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    That is cool! How much was "not cheap"?
    Mike

    Now stang-less.

    88 Cougar 5.0

  3. #3
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    I pad $220 for the recore. I paid $110 plus shipping for the last NOS one. It’s a tough price to swallow when the cheap ones are going for $60.
    Fox Body/3rd Gen MCA Gold Card Judge
    84 SVO 24K miles, 85 Mclaren Capri Vert. 84 GT Turbo Vert.
    88 Mclaren Mustang Vert 20K miles, 89 Mustang LX Sport Vert,
    03 Mach 1 7900 miles, 74 Mustang II, 69 Mustang, 67 Mustang, 07 GT500,
    14 Mustang CS/GT, 15 F150 FTX Tuscany, 16 F250 Crewcab, 67 Tbird 47K miles

  4. #4
    FEP Power Member mcb82gt's Avatar
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    True, but that job kinda sucks, I don't want to do it again soon, if I don't have to. I got a Motorcraft one from Rockauto, but they aren't there anymore.
    Mike

    Now stang-less.

    88 Cougar 5.0

  5. #5
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    I searched earlier this week and found no Ford heater cores. Suddenly, today I see an EBay link for NOS heater core posted by PPI. The price is not cheap but not outrageous at $249. Item 154760458492 qty. 2 available.

    I believe I have enough stock to cover my cars.
    Fox Body/3rd Gen MCA Gold Card Judge
    84 SVO 24K miles, 85 Mclaren Capri Vert. 84 GT Turbo Vert.
    88 Mclaren Mustang Vert 20K miles, 89 Mustang LX Sport Vert,
    03 Mach 1 7900 miles, 74 Mustang II, 69 Mustang, 67 Mustang, 07 GT500,
    14 Mustang CS/GT, 15 F150 FTX Tuscany, 16 F250 Crewcab, 67 Tbird 47K miles

  6. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by KevinK View Post
    I searched earlier this week and found no Ford heater cores. Suddenly, today I see an EBay link for NOS heater core posted by PPI. The price is not cheap but not outrageous at $249. Item 154760458492 qty. 2 available.
    Meant to reply earlier, but thanks for heads up on that Ebay listing. I snagged one up at that time.

    Won't need it for a while, but I'd been looking for a NOS heater core and jumped at the opportunity to get one.

  7. #7
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    I havent had any problems with the aluminum ones from the parts store. I have yet to have to replace one of them.
    Kendal

  8. #8
    FEP Senior Member gt4494's Avatar
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    Once FORD figured out that the outlet should be bigger then the inlet, heater core changes due to joint failure is history. Just keep the antifreeze level correct and change it once in a while and you should be good to go!!
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."
    Albert Einstein

    1984 20th Anniversary GT350
    Almost "Stock"

  9. #9
    FEP Power Member mcb82gt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gt4494 View Post
    Once FORD figured out that the outlet should be bigger then the inlet, heater core changes due to joint failure is history. Just keep the antifreeze level correct and change it once in a while and you should be good to go!!
    when did they "figure" it out?

    i always put in the inlet restrictor.
    Mike

    Now stang-less.

    88 Cougar 5.0

  10. #10
    FEP Senior Member gt4494's Avatar
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    I changed mine in 2004 (I keep very detailed records) and the replacement had two different size connections. The replacement was purchased at a local auto store that I have done business since the early 70's. Yes i am old..

    One outlet required a 5/8 and the other 1/2 inch hose. changed them while I was at it and fitting the 1/2 to the return was challenging.
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."
    Albert Einstein

    1984 20th Anniversary GT350
    Almost "Stock"

  11. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by gt4494 View Post
    ......

    One outlet required a 5/8 and the other 1/2 inch hose. changed them while I was at it and fitting the 1/2 to the return was challenging.
    I think fox bodies use 5/8" and 3/4" hoses. At least my 85 does.

  12. #12
    FEP Senior Member gt4494's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 85GTGuy View Post
    I think fox bodies use 5/8" and 3/4" hoses. At least my 85 does.
    I probably had the wrong size down. Thanks!
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."
    Albert Einstein

    1984 20th Anniversary GT350
    Almost "Stock"

  13. #13

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    For a while Napa had a aftermarket unit where the tubes were brazed to the body like OE. Sadly it seems those are all gone now and all we have to choose from is a spectra unit in different boxes
    86 Capri-84 LTD a wagon-85 notch-86 notch

  14. #14

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    The issue is usually where the tubes go into the core so unless they redid that joint when the replaced the core it's probably fatigued pretty bad. What I've done in the past is put a good chunk of epoxy around the joints tying the 2 tubes together as much as possible with the available room in the heater box. This braces them together and keeps them from moving around and fatiguing.

    steve

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