Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

What's your thoughts on this for a replacement heater core? Obviously would need some "flashing" around it to direct the air, but it looks fine to me.

The original core dimensions are about 6½" x 9½". This one says it's 5" x 8⅛" overall. I figure I could route the hoses into the housing with some grommets or something.

Derale 13309 Power Steering Cooler Kit , Blacka.co/d/0ZYblTF

EVIL ENERGY 6AN 90 Degree Push Lock Hose Fitting End Black 2PCSa.co/d/538tojJ

Here is a reference thread with photos.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=969

An interesting idea but I would chase down some actual dimensions. Amazon specs are probably the shipping box but if anywhere close to actual core or assy size I doubt it will fit in the heater box. The large space at sides where the tubes reverse direction would also need to be covered to prevent air bypassing the core.

Maybe not a concern but a heater core flow is thru small passages so water is moving fairly slow and can transfer max heat but the tubing on the cooler looks fairly large and is short. I would wonder if the flow would be so fast thru the tubing it would almost be like a bypass or shunt effect similar to just connecting ports together with a length of hose. Like the hose shunt issue, that could lead to a substantial portion of coolant never seeing the radiator and perpetually heating which maybe in a PA winter would be a good thing but still.

Good point, the dimensions are from Summit Racing and are given as overall, so it should physically fit in. Of course it would be undersized some and like you said the flow would be pretty fast.

As for attachment, perhaps I could use some wire to connect it to the existing baffle, then seal around it with high heat tape. Or maybe it would need a sheetmetal adapter of some sort. Hopefully not, as that might be more effort than the $$ to redo it properly.

Side note, the outlets of this are 6AN which is 3/8", so it will need inline adapters to go to the 5/8" Packard heater hose.

amazon.com/Beduan-Reducer-Reducing-Fitting-Splicer/dp/B08V4Y89VD/

There is a better choice.

A regular heater core. That will fit. Have to find it.


Summit. Part Number: RDR-9010195


Un solder tube's off original and put on this.

Unit is smaller than original. Just add spacers.

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Nice, thanks. I think I'll try that.

I think I had mine rebuilt through Merritt