The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors New Heater Core Question

Question...looking for advise.
I bought a new Heater Core from Classic Parts.
Just opened the package, and there is surface rust. (see photos)
Is this normal? Should I paint the core? Return it?
The picture on the Classic Parts website shows it as black, but this one is not painted.
Is it anything to worry about. Spent $170 for the brand new core, so I want to make sure it is right.

Thanks in advance for any guidance.
--Tom

I was told to never paint a radiator core with regular paint but to refer to radiator shop for special heat transferring paint. I would apply that same advice to a heater core. While I was there, I would ask them if the rust was a concern or not. Get their input on level of quality.

The core is copper so it won't rust. I would paint the iron parts with Rustoleom Rusty metal primer.
You could call Classic Parts & hear what they have to say about it. They are good people to deal with.
George

The heater cores say up to 1952? Anyway, I would be a little concerned if I received that. They will make it right however. Don't really see how a new core sitting on a shelf could get rusty residue unless it's a return or something sketchy. If it was drop shipped, Classic would not know it's rusty.

That looks like NOS to me. If it's been rattling around in the box that would account for the worn spots on the brass tank, If it got moist at some point, then the steel parts (structure or frame) might get a little surface rust as appears on your picture. If they advertised it as NEW, then I'd call them on it. Otherwise, put some Rustoleum on it and install it.

Test for leaks. If it passes, paint it and forget it. You can't see it anyway. Breathe deep and sleep well.

I'm with Carl. The rust isn't that bad.
I tested my original heater core, dunked it in evaporust, cleaned it up and painted it.

I agree with Kevin that the core is NOS. Well made. Hit it lightly with a wire brush then shoot it with Rustoleum primer and then black and then install it. Nothing I’d worry about even a little bit.

Thank you everyone for the valuable input.
--Tom