Heater or climatizer rebuild

[Dan Boone]

Would anyone out there have any information on rebuilding a leaky heater for a '63 Avanti.  

[studegary]

This may not be the answer that you want.  The simple thing to do is to just bypass the heater (block off the hose connection points).  A 1963 Avanti throws so much heat into the cabin that most will not need a heater unless you plan on driving it in below freezing conditions (no longer likely for most 1963 Avantis).  

[mfg]

Gorgeous looking '63 Avanti!!......If your heater core is leaking and in need of replacement, NOS & rebuilt ones are available from at least two of our Studebaker/Avanti vendors.

These cores are however quite pricey! (In my opinion)

You may want to consider adapting a heater core from a 'lesser' vehicle.

Years ago I installed a Plymouth Reliant (Remember those??) heater core in a 1964 Studebaker Avanti......... It worked well, and I believe that, even today, brand new Reliant cores can be purchased at various auto jobbers for under $50.

[Dan Boone]

Thanks everyone.  We will be taking it out this weekend to check it out.  I did order some gaskets from Studebaker International to install.  It only started when it was gurgling and I was trying to get it to stop.  I turned the heater on, the gurgling stopped, and then it started leaking.  The new cores are pricey,  I agree.  This will be uncharted waters, but the kid that helps me is pretty innovative.  I'm pretty sure it's never been out.  I hate to detract too much from the original.  But being in California, we won't need it much.  I'll try to post some pictures.  DB

[Dan Boone]

MFG, would you happen to know what year Plymouth Reliant core you put in your '64 Avanti? They do have them online, and they're aluminum and un $50, just like you said.  Cool

Edited December 6, 2018 by Dan Boone
Showing how we took heater core out

[mfg]

On 12/1/2018 at 10:54 AM, Dan Boone said:

MFG, would you happen to know what year Plymouth Reliant core you put in your '64 Avanti? They do have them online, and they're aluminum and un $50, just like you said.  Cool

I believe 1986 would be about right....Haven't seen many of those "K" cars lately!....The Dodge Aries would be the same.

PS....expect a bit of 'finagling' with the heater hoses at the core!

[Dan Boone]

I posted a couple pictures taking the old heater out of the car.  The Plymouth core is on its way. We just need to modify the inlet/outlet ports to make it fit.  

[Dan Boone]

Here's a couple picts. of the finished heater core before we re-installed it.  It's back in now, and I have warm air with no leaks!  Woo hoo!

[JLBKY]

Dan, can you tell us exactly what you purchased, Make , Year, Price etc., and what modifications, if any, you had to do, to make it work in your Avanti

Thanks

John

[Dan Boone]

Sorry, John, my friend actually got it ready for me.  I will find out from him where he got the core.  I know he pressure tested it.  I sort of left it to him.  Leave your number, and I can have Nick call you.  He does a lot of nice work on my car.  Dan

Edited January 2, 2019 by Dan Boone

[JLBKY]

It would be appreciated if he calls with the information

50277305ninetwo

 

[Jolly-John]

Yes!....please share with all of us. John

[JLBKY]

I received a text message from the fella that did this conversion. The core he used is from an '86 Bronco. The Inlet/Outlet Tanks were swapped. He was quick to point out that the soldering of the Avanti  Inlet/Outlet tank onto the Bronco core is a delicate procedure best done with a small torch .................. and don't overheat it.

John