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I took my heater core down to get pressure tested. It's toast. So is the temp regulator valve. I suspect freeze damage from the P.O. Anyone know where I can get a new core and how much they are? Will a heater core from another type/ model fit inside the heater box? Can the regulating valve be rebuilt? The heater is the standard Ford script fresh air heater. It is for a 1948 F-7.
John - NNY
I've been told that most radiator repair shops can either repair your core or make a new one. I haven't tried myself but I plan to when I get as far as the heater...
Just did it on my '50. Local (Canadian) industrial rad shop sourced a core and sweated on the inlet and outlet for about $180 Cdn. I think I got worked over a bit, but am reasonably happy with the results. Others on Fordbarn report prices between $85 and $100 US. Judging by the quick turnaround (3 days) I'm guessing the core I got is not an uncommon one, but I don't know the intended application.
Mine is a fresh air heater as well, and you may need to know that the thickness of the core, as well as its length and width, is pretty critical. In my case the shop was overly thorough in applying solder to the space between the edge of the core and the inlet / outlet. After quite a bit of filing, I was (just) able to assemble the core into the heat shield, and the core and heat shield into the box. Your best bet might be to take the sheet metal with you to the rad shop.
The only heat regulator on mine is a valve on the right cylinder head that regulates the amount of coolant flowing through the core, similar to a bung tap. If that's what you have, I'm sure they're around.
Hope this helps.
Dave