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Heater or climatizer rebuild


Dan Boone

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

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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).  

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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.:)

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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

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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

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Edited by Dan Boone
Showing how we took heater core out
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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!

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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.  

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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!

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  • 3 weeks later...

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 by Dan Boone
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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

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