heater core outlets, straight or bent?

[mcditalia]

I ordered a new heater core for my project. The core I got has bent outlets to the left. Is this right? I thought non-air cars had straight outlets that poke through the firewall. Labeled as Part# 398207. What are the exterior dimensions of a non-air core, so I can compare the one I have? If the bends are right, how am I getting this puppy assembled right? I brought it to a local radiator shop and the guy said I'm going to have "fun" installing it. :eyerole

 

[67HEAVEN]

Here's the new core I installed in my non-air '67.

Fits just right.

 

[67HEAVEN]

If the bends are right, how am I getting this puppy assembled right? I brought it to a local radiator shop and the guy said I'm going to have "fun" installing it. :eyerole

You'll be removing the heater box from under the dash, after the glovebox is removed.

Once you've done it, it's not that hard. Take the opportunity to install new foam seals and mounting bolts, nuts, etc.

 

[mcditalia]

Thanks 67,

yeah, actually I did a little more research and they are supposed to be bent. However, the bigger outlet is bent in more so than the smaller, about a half an inch. They supposedly should have the same bend pattern. So I have to decide wheter to try and gently bend it back and risk breaking something or just send it back. I was thinking of heating it with a torch and gently bending it back. Am I playing with fire?

 

[67HEAVEN]

Thanks 67,

Am I playing with fire?

Yes. If you weaken the joint, you'll be very sorry when your carpet gets antifreeze all over it and you have to do the job all over again. I'd get one with the correct bends.

 

[studiog]

Thanks 67,

yeah, actually I did a little more research and they are supposed to be bent. However, the bigger outlet is bent in more so than the smaller, about a half an inch. They supposedly should have the same bend pattern. So I have to decide wheter to try and gently bend it back and risk breaking something or just send it back. I was thinking of heating it with a torch and gently bending it back. Am I playing with fire?

Yes you are absolutely playing with fire!
Don't even think about bending it even a little.
I learned this early in my Corvette life

 

[alps66]

You may want to consider having the core pressure tested before you install it, even though it's new. A few bucks could save you a lot of duplicative (and explative) work.