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Anyone just use a universal heater, instead of core replacement?

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Old Oct 11, 2015 | 07:20 PM
  #1  
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From: Reno, NV
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Default Anyone just use a universal heater, instead of core replacement?

Hi,

I got my trans console and lower dash out and surveyed the situation and decided that there is no easy way to get the core out except the job described here that is fairly major. BTW for the record a Grand Cherokee fellow did get the core out upward with top of dash out, quite a success, He cut temp hole and duct taped back. Took 2 hours. And cut copper tubes and used heater hose to reconnect.

I was thinking of doing same exact thing underneath with multi-tool cutting hole in plastic. But just does not look good.

But not all is lost. PLAN B

Just leave it in and reroute hoses to a universal heater like this
Amazon.com: Maradyne H-410312 Mesa 12V Wall Mount Heater: Automotive Amazon.com: Maradyne H-410312 Mesa 12V Wall Mount Heater: Automotive

$150 and people really like them. That is just one model. That one lacks ports to redirect air.

This one does have ports: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-UNIVERSA...-/262023517641





The idea would be to port it into air-box so the defroster would work. So leave system along, install one of these, duct hose it to existing airbox. Easy job, and if anything goes wrong, super easy to fix.

Anyone ever do this?
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Old Oct 11, 2015 | 08:21 PM
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...a bit expensive. i think just replacing the core would be fine. Ive never seen this done, so if you do it take lots of pictures and make a thread about it.
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Old Oct 12, 2015 | 12:43 AM
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Originally Posted by ITTs_Cole
...a bit expensive. i think just replacing the core would be fine. Ive never seen this done, so if you do it take lots of pictures and make a thread about it.
Hi ITT, Think will use the Ebay one which is $80 free shipping, about the same as core for 3 reasons, its got exits can easily duct, its size and mounting bracket, and price.

And so much easier to install than core.

Found this opened up pic:




If were to build one almost exactly what I would do. Yes will take pics. See it has copper tubes too. Only thing can not tell is it just on or off or comes with airspeed adjustable.

Last edited by darp; Oct 12, 2015 at 12:44 AM. Reason: formating
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Old Oct 12, 2015 | 12:59 AM
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Sounds like more work then its worth,you still have to run the heater hoses to it then mount it and if you want to use your factory vents you gotta rig all that stuff up.If you already got half the dash out why not just drop the steering column finish taking out the dash and be done with it?
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Old Oct 12, 2015 | 06:10 AM
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I think when you are all done, you will spend many years kicking yourself that you didn't do it right the first time.

In fact, I predict that you will be so unhappy with the results that you will either rip it out and redo it the right way (if that's even possible), or you will get rid of the Jeep.
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Old Oct 12, 2015 | 07:32 AM
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ehall's Avatar
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Lot of time and money for inferior results
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Old Oct 12, 2015 | 08:51 AM
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I once tried one of those dash mounted 12v heater/blower/defroster things. It worked better in the trash.
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Old Oct 12, 2015 | 04:04 PM
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Reading this:
Anyone just use a universal heater, instead of core replacement?

Made me think of this:



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Old Oct 12, 2015 | 04:21 PM
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Stock cores last like 180+k miles. Why not just replace it with a stock one and not worry again?
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Old Oct 12, 2015 | 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Turbo X_J
Reading this:
Anyone just use a universal heater, instead of core replacement?

Made me think of this:


this might even be cheaper.
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Old Oct 12, 2015 | 08:20 PM
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It certainly looks better!


Better than that haircut, I mean....
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Old Oct 13, 2015 | 11:28 AM
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Originally Posted by ITTs_Cole


this might even be cheaper.
Now you are talking!
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