Custom Heater Cores

[riprock]

I recently bought a heater core for an '87 Chevette... basically the same dimensions as the "Big Momma" (reported as a '88 Fiero core), and took it to a local radiator place to have them pressure test it (good guys, did it free).

I asked them how difficult it would be to replace the large fittings with 3/8" fittings and he said it'd be pretty tough given the difference. However, he said that they can make customer heater cores! I was shocked. I didn't want to take anymore of his time asking him how much it'd cost, but he said they could go as small as 5.25x5.25 for the acutal cooling surface (add an inch or so to the height to account for the tank ends) and put whatever size fittings you want.

Anyone considering getting a radiator, I suggest you hit your local shop and see how small, and at what price, they can custom make one for you.

[JML]

For the right size fittings you could go to the plumbing section of Home Depot

[riprock]

You could... but then you'd have to desweat the original fittings (not a fun thing) and clean up your holes (an even less fun thing), then REsweat your new fittings into the core (sweating copper fittings can be tricky and if you've never done it before you'll probably not do it correctly the first time... and you won't know until it starts squirting out water :( ). On top of that, the holes into the tank tops may not be the size you need either.

The problem with mine is the original fittings are 3/4 and 5/8. I'm going to have to scare up some fittings (which both of my Home Depot stores do not carry) that'll reduce those sizes down to 3/8.
I was able to find enough stuff to recreate the homemade resevoir for use with an inline pump, but no brass reducers that'll take 5/8 & 3/4 down to 3/8. I'll probably have to get with a local plumbers supply for those. Doing that also increase the length of the input/output tubes on the core... which takes up more space.

If I have too much trouble with all this, I'll check back with the radiator guys and have them price me a custom core.