Mid Fifty sells them new for $145. Good luck, Jag
1953 Heater Core
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From: Comox Valley, Canada
1953 Heater Core
Ok so I hooked up the heater core today, it isn't very old, looks great, no rust, etc etc....but it has a leak in the core. Must be a puncture I guess. So I stopped at the local rad shop to get it fixed.......but the only fix apparently is a new core which is estimated at $120-130 Cdn 
I tried a few online places but I was told there is no aftermarket available...everyone just gets then recored.......
I figured what the heck I must have a core somewhere that will fit......well the closest I came was an 86 Fiero...little smaller and the heater box needs a little massaging to get it to fit. And with the demise of the Fiero what happens when I need a core next time??????
Since I will only use the thing a few days a year, what with global warming and all
a recore is a little too steep for me....so... I was wondering if anyone has found a "bolt-in" replacement?
I tried a few online places but I was told there is no aftermarket available...everyone just gets then recored.......
I figured what the heck I must have a core somewhere that will fit......well the closest I came was an 86 Fiero...little smaller and the heater box needs a little massaging to get it to fit. And with the demise of the Fiero what happens when I need a core next time??????
Since I will only use the thing a few days a year, what with global warming and all
a recore is a little too steep for me....so... I was wondering if anyone has found a "bolt-in" replacement?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
I'd press the radiator shop closely; see why they say it needs a whole new core and not a couple drops of solder. On most cars, getting to the heater core takes 3-4 hours, so it is prudent to replace if there is any problem. On our trucks, it's "right there", so pulling it again in a year isn't a big deal.
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From: Comox Valley, Canada
Well most of the heater cores I replace run between 20-40 bucks, although I know they aren't for a 53 
removing it is no biggie, pretty much takes 15 minutes on a bad day...just was wondering if anyone found another core that was a good fit.
Also what happens when the tanks/pipes are done and it needs more than just the core replaced???????
removing it is no biggie, pretty much takes 15 minutes on a bad day...just was wondering if anyone found another core that was a good fit.Also what happens when the tanks/pipes are done and it needs more than just the core replaced???????
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Topeka, KS
No great advice, I'll tell you what NOT to do. I gave it to my local radiator shop, they said they had to build a whole new one.....3 weeks later I was writing a $300 USD check....ouch!!!! (and isn't that like $7000 canadian?) 
You just can't find new ones for these years. I looked hard. Maybe a second opinion about just fixing this one?? Or you could put a wood stove in it... It does get cold up in the great white north, don't it?
You just can't find new ones for these years. I looked hard. Maybe a second opinion about just fixing this one?? Or you could put a wood stove in it... It does get cold up in the great white north, don't it?
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From: Comox Valley, Canada
Well now that I know the cost of recoring, the practically non-existant replacements, I will either fix the leak myself or find one that fits...... all it takes is time.
Heater isn't really necessary as the truck will most likely be torn apart for the winter refit in Sept :-)
I am sure there is a replacement out there and I hope to find it....I mean after all it is a pretty standard size the only prob I have run into is the location of the inlet/outlet pipes to match the stock heater box holes.
Heater isn't really necessary as the truck will most likely be torn apart for the winter refit in Sept :-)
I am sure there is a replacement out there and I hope to find it....I mean after all it is a pretty standard size the only prob I have run into is the location of the inlet/outlet pipes to match the stock heater box holes.
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Originally Posted by sparky
Well now that I know the cost of recoring, the practically non-existant replacements, I will either fix the leak myself or find one that fits...... all it takes is time.
Heater isn't really necessary as the truck will most likely be torn apart for the winter refit in Sept :-)
I am sure there is a replacement out there and I hope to find it....I mean after all it is a pretty standard size the only prob I have run into is the location of the inlet/outlet pipes to match the stock heater box holes.
Heater isn't really necessary as the truck will most likely be torn apart for the winter refit in Sept :-)
I am sure there is a replacement out there and I hope to find it....I mean after all it is a pretty standard size the only prob I have run into is the location of the inlet/outlet pipes to match the stock heater box holes.
You maybe able to get the inlet/outlet changed once you find a suitable heater core.
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From: Comox Valley, Canada
Originally Posted by Fomoko1
If you do find anything keep us posted.
You maybe able to get the inlet/outlet changed once you find a suitable heater core.
You maybe able to get the inlet/outlet changed once you find a suitable heater core.
Luckily I have access to many different types of vehicles...I am sure one will show up here sometime 
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
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Here is a link to a post I made a while back. I found a new heater core for my 1948 truck. I don't know what type of heater your 53 has. There seems to be a lot of variation in heaters back then. I found my core by using the dimentions and doing a few searches on ebay and google. I found that International scouts used the same core. I just needed to change one end cap. See the link below for more details.
John
NNY
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...ore-found.html
John
NNY
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...ore-found.html
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From: Comox Valley, Canada
I checked the thread you posted, if the heater you have is like the one in this link:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...145322&width=0
Then mine is just like that except totally different Not a thing looks the same as my heater 
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...145322&width=0
Then mine is just like that except totally different
Not a thing looks the same as my heater
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From: Comox Valley, Canada
Well I finally got around to the heater core replacement in my 53 today. So I figured I would update in case anyone wants to do it this way.
I used a core from a 93 Ford Explorer 4.0 Litre with A/C. Fit into the heater box very nicely.
I had to open up the heater pipe exit holes in the rear of the box, then make a new hole in the firewall for the hoses, didn't really matter as there are quite a few holes there already from PO's drilling, hacking etc...... so I already have to make a patch panel to cover them.........so covering the original holes in no problem. Ok add patch panel to the list of things that never get done
The core needed some 3/8" foam placed behind it to make it fit snugly in the box. All in all it took about 3 hours, including beverage breaks and now I have an off the shelf heater core installed
I will snap some pics if requested, I would have taken then during the "build" but the camera had gone shopping with my wife.
Anyway, I just wanted to pass along the info to any interested parties.
I used a core from a 93 Ford Explorer 4.0 Litre with A/C. Fit into the heater box very nicely.
I had to open up the heater pipe exit holes in the rear of the box, then make a new hole in the firewall for the hoses, didn't really matter as there are quite a few holes there already from PO's drilling, hacking etc...... so I already have to make a patch panel to cover them.........so covering the original holes in no problem. Ok add patch panel to the list of things that never get done
The core needed some 3/8" foam placed behind it to make it fit snugly in the box. All in all it took about 3 hours, including beverage breaks and now I have an off the shelf heater core installed
I will snap some pics if requested, I would have taken then during the "build" but the camera had gone shopping with my wife.
Anyway, I just wanted to pass along the info to any interested parties.
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