- Joined
- May 25, 2004
- Location
- San Diego, CA
I just finished a bunch of research and thought I'd give y'all a heads up. I've been looking for an all-copper '77 Bonneville heater core (or any other good core). After many phone conversations, net research, and driving all over h*** and back to see supposedly "all-copper" cores I found out a few things.
First, it appears that there are no longer any companies manufacturing all-copper cores. ACDelco, Stant, NAPA, Modine, Fedco/TransPro/ReadyAir no longer make them. All currently manufactured cores (non-aluminum) are made using a process called CuproBraze which uses brass tanks and copper fins. This process is much cheaper and the cores themselves are stronger. (see here...http://www.smp-training.com/Counter...ges/heat18.html)
For our purposes however, THIS SUCKS!! If any of you are finding all-copper heater cores out there I suggest you snap them up, 'cause once they're gone, that's it buddy!
'Course, I could be wrong here, and there may be some manufacturer out there who's pumping them out by the thousands every day, but if there is I sure couldn't find him. If anyone knows of a place to order a for-sure all copper core I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know.
Some of the copper/brass cores look like they're copper if you don't know what you are looking for. I can't tell you how many times some dimwit auto store clerk said "Oh yeah, it's copper fer sure" and I find out when I get there that it's brass.
Anyway, I've been wondering if I should keep my copper/brass core or just go ahead and get a Black Ice Pro II dual 120mm fan radiator. At least that ones copper. Any thoughts?
First, it appears that there are no longer any companies manufacturing all-copper cores. ACDelco, Stant, NAPA, Modine, Fedco/TransPro/ReadyAir no longer make them. All currently manufactured cores (non-aluminum) are made using a process called CuproBraze which uses brass tanks and copper fins. This process is much cheaper and the cores themselves are stronger. (see here...http://www.smp-training.com/Counter...ges/heat18.html)
For our purposes however, THIS SUCKS!! If any of you are finding all-copper heater cores out there I suggest you snap them up, 'cause once they're gone, that's it buddy!
'Course, I could be wrong here, and there may be some manufacturer out there who's pumping them out by the thousands every day, but if there is I sure couldn't find him. If anyone knows of a place to order a for-sure all copper core I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know.
Some of the copper/brass cores look like they're copper if you don't know what you are looking for. I can't tell you how many times some dimwit auto store clerk said "Oh yeah, it's copper fer sure" and I find out when I get there that it's brass.
Anyway, I've been wondering if I should keep my copper/brass core or just go ahead and get a Black Ice Pro II dual 120mm fan radiator. At least that ones copper. Any thoughts?