Heater Core Replacement

[Preston]

I purchased a heater core from Toms Bronco parts and have a couple of installation questions. After installing the box back under the dash the tubes are not centered in the holes in the fire wall and are resting against the passenger side edge of the hole. I tried loosening the bolts and moving the box around but it just doesn't move much. Is this a problem? I was worried that the firewall would damage the tubes over time and since it is kind of a pain to change I don't want to change the core again. Additionally, the tubes are so long that when I put the heater hose on it hits the fender well and the hose is mostly kinked. I could trim it but that would eliminate the raised part of the tube that is expanded for the clamp to hold on to. It seems like a fairly delicate part (relative to an axle) and I don't want to force it around to badly. Let me know what you think.

Preston

 

[Mr Joe]

I modified my after-market core...

 

[Preston]

that helps with one problem. I guess that is just standard plumbing supply store stuff? I don't know how to sweat joints, how do you do it without melting the solder on the core?

Is it a problem that the tubes are touching the fire wall?

 

[Mr Joe]

Yes, it's standard 1/2" copper.. I just didn't let it get too hot.

Here you can see where mine weren't centered either. I just made sure the pipe didn't contact the firewall... This is a before pic

 

[70 sport WA]

Additionally, the tubes are so long that when I put the heater hose on it hits the fender well and the hose is mostly kinked. I could trim it but that would eliminate the raised part of the tube that is expanded for the clamp to hold on to. It seems like a fairly delicate part (relative to an axle) and I don't want to force it around to badly. Let me know what you think.

I had to trim one about an inch and a half if the pipe because of the same issue, and it hasn't affected the flow or created a leak. Just used a $5 pipe cutter from the hardware store and did it carefully. If the clamp is secure enough and there's enough rubber over the pipe you'll be fine. Here' a picture -- the hose fits fine, now.

Another interesting thread here, though.

 

[Preston]

Thanks guys. Do you think I can bend them away from the holes or should I just make the holes wider?

 

[HotWheels]

I know you may not want to do this. But when I did my frame off Inverted the corner of my inner fender:

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56343&page=2&pp=15

 

[Blue71]

I bent mine a little so that they wouldn't contact the firewall. Just be carefull bending them and don't kink them. Should be able to bend them by hand. I also cut about 1" off of the copper tube s o my heater hose would fit and clear the inner fender.

Blue71

 

[Paco]

Here's what I did..... I went to an auto parts store (don't remember which one ) and picked a heater hose that had 2 - 90 degree bends in it. I then measured and cut the hose to fit. I did need to splice it, but that has posed no problems. This is the line I put my heater control valve in. I only needed to do this to one hose, the other one was able to make the bend without kinking. I'm replacing the heater core right now, too. Check out the pics.

 

[HotWheels]

Nice!! that's cool if you have the room...