Replacement heater core needed for '54 Commander

[Pete R]

I took the leaky heater core from my '54 Commander in to the radiator repair shop and they said it couldn't be repaired. They said it could be "re-cored" (attach a new fin and tube section to my old tanks), but they don't have a source for new cores. Does anyone have any leads for replacement heater cores for our cars? Thanks.

Pete R
Woodbridge, VA
1954 Studebaker Commander Regal Starlight Coupe, 3-speed w/OD
1964 Studebaker Avanti R2, 4-speed (R4399)
1972 Chevrolet El Camino SS454, 4-speed
1999 Corvette roadster, 6-speed

[Dick Steinkamp]

Pete, you are REALLY a stick shift kind of guy! I like it [8D].

AFAIK, there is not a source for NEW '54 Starlight heater cores. There must be SOMETHING close that would work. I would think a good radiator shop would have a catalog of heater core by size. Maybe try another shop? Also, I would think it would be relatively easy for a radiator shop to "cut down" a larger core to the size you need.

[Pete R]

Yeah, I sure like to shift them myself.

Trying another radiator shop is a good idea. There don't seem to be too many around anymore, but I'll look harder. I've done a little looking on-line, too, and sent a couple emails, but no responses yet. Maybe someone else has found a source for something that will work. With all the old Studes we have out there, I can't have the only one with a heater core problem.

[leyrret]

I had my 56 recored by ERS Cooling Systems, Glen Burnie, Md. 410-787-0219. They( or any good radiator shop) can order a core by size.
It wasn't cheap but you might give them a try if you can't find anything closer. They did excellent job. Mine was under seat heater

[Pete R]

Okay, thanks, that only about 60 miles from me.

Pete R
Woodbridge, VA
1954 Studebaker Commander Regal Starlight Coupe, 3-speed w/OD
1964 Studebaker Avanti R2, 4-speed (R4399)
1972 Chevrolet El Camino SS454, 4-speed
1999 Corvette roadster, 6-speed

[garyash]

If you aren't successful locally, try these guys:

http://www.maineradiator.com/jaz_mar_antique_frame.html

[img=left]http://www.studegarage.com/images/gary_ash_m5_sm.jpg[/img=left] Gary Ash
Dartmouth, Mass.
'48 M5
'65 Wagonaire Commander
'63 Wagonaire Standard
web site at http://www.studegarage.com

[Alan]

Too bad you are not closer to Southern Calif., going to have one out at the Peterson tomorrow for $10

[San Diego Ron]

My under seat heater core for '62 GT Hawk is in radiator shop right now in San Diego awaiting new core, price quoted will be $175....hope I am not overpaying.

[Commander Eddie]

There is one on Ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/301572948128?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[53commander]

S.I. has them I believe, $325 plus exchange.

[San Diego Ron]

New heater core

Just picked up my under seat heater from Ace Radiator in National City, CA. Price was $175 out the door...looks good to me.

[RadioRoy]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]61455[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]61456[/ATTACH]Just picked up my under seat heater from Ace Radiator in National City, CA. Price was $175 out the door...looks good to me.

Did they re-core yours, or did they have this one in stock?

[San Diego Ron]

It was re-cored, took about a week for new core to be shipped from (back East?) then local shop put it together.

[SN-60]

It was re-cored, took about a week for new core to be shipped from (back East?) then local shop put it together.

Looks good, and that's a fair price these days!