I'm of no special skills, intelligence, or tools. I was able to restore my heater to like-new condition inside my own garage. (With the assistance of Stovebolt members!)
- I used my local radiator shop for the core check.
- I used an after-market vendor for cables, arms, and bezel.
- I used a local vintage air conditioning shop for the hose to the defroster ducts (mostly because they were local, but any online place has it.)
- The biggest problem, and biggest disappointment, was the quality of the heater control valve. It is Chinese and one of those "55 - 57, but also fits 58 - 59". IT DOESN'T. Save your money and mind, and send it to a specialist or repair it yourself. (Google Stovebolt. Red58 has already posted the kit number at NAPA.)
I encourage you to try to restore it yourself. I don't think you can hurt it, so you won't be any worse off than just sending it out. I'm sure you'll have plenty of online help, and the satisfaction you'll have after finishing the job can't be bought.
Bill
