27 replies to this topic

[mika03au]

I have read through a few posts on this subject but still have some questions.
The foam inside the box to cover the flapper doors and the strip that surrounds the heater core itself are subject to a fair amount of heat.
If I were to use just standard rubber foam I would be worried it would turn to goo with a bit of heat.
Had a chat with the Clark Rubber people and they cant really supply any high temp foam that may suit this purpose.
Any suggestions with what others have successfully used?
Mine is all crumbly and needs some new stuff. I suspect Holden just used rubber foam hence the poor condition.
Also on the subject how do we get the flappers out of the box to work on them, I have mine split but the cranks on the end of the shafts seem to be stuck on. (see picture attached)
Any suggestions on their removal.
Cheers.

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Edited by mika03au, 22 March 2012 - 04:27 PM.

[hanra]

Yeah those arms just pull off, maybe try some mouse milk in there to free em.

[mika03au]

they are well stuck, sure dont want to bust them...

[hanra]

Mouse milk em up! And take plenty of pics once it all splits apart.

[hanra]

Scroll down here is where I did my heater box:
http://www.gmh-toran...h&fromMainBar=1

[Mort]

Linky no worky Brad.

Michael i asked or local air cond guy for some self adhesive foam, don't know how it will go so can't help you there, will take a pic and post soon.

[hanra]

Doh!

Down the bottom of this one:

http://www.gmh-toran...0/page__st__350

[mika03au]

Cheers Brad & Mort.
So far I have had no luck with any suitable foam, any of the rubber foam melts at 70C and loses it foaminess. (quote from Clark Rubber man)
Brad have you had any heat through yours yet?
I think the heater core would be the same temp as the radiator 90C+ during operation.
Got to be done right as I sure dont want to pull all the dash out again to re do it a few weeks after I get the car on the road...

[shadey1963]

This company might be able to help. Maybe get a small sample sent out to try. EPDM looks to be good up to 130 C if you check some material tables. Haven't used them but can't hurt.

http://www.gardinera...?prod=RFSR_EPDM

Regards
Steve

[mika03au]

Thanks Steve . Will make some enquiries.

[hanra]

Cheers Brad & Mort.
So far I have had no luck with any suitable foam, any of the rubber foam melts at 70C and loses it foaminess. (quote from Clark Rubber man)
Brad have you had any heat through yours yet?
I think the heater core would be the same temp as the radiator 90C+ during operation.
Got to be done right as I sure dont want to pull all the dash out again to re do it a few weeks after I get the car on the road...

The original foam that surrounded my heater core was still in good nick, so I re used it. No idea about the specs of the flap foam??? The heater core temp might be similar to the engine temp but the air temp blowing through the heater box wouldn't be as high surely? I'll never use the heater up here anyways, it never gets cold enough up ere.

[mika03au]

I get the heater isnt much use up there but am sure airconditioning is a must have....
On your list of inclusions with your Torana?
I wouldnt mind it in mine but the effort seems enormous, whether factory (henstooth), or aftermarket vintage air system. Might just stick with getting the normal bits in order first before tackling that one.

[hanra]

Yeah my other 60s car isn't used at all for a good 5mths or so over summertime. It's just a sweat box. I'd imagine the Torana will be just as bad.

[mika03au]

Quite remarkable, all the guys restoring their cars and no one seems to have been able to source the correct foam for this application.
Guess a lot of guys just leave to old crumbly stuff in place!
My search continues...............................

Edited by mika03au, 16 April 2012 - 04:17 PM.

[hanra]

I wonder how many people have gone to the effort of re-building the heater box at all???

[mika03au]

Im thinking that too Brad....
But I cant help myself now I have pulled it all apart. I just cant put it back together with the old crumbly stuff. I think there is a name for that! Something to do with body parts and retentiveness!

[ReplicarSLR]

I did mine the same way as Brad, used interior rattle can black to colour the foam where you can see it through the vents. I havent had any air through it yet so cannot comment on if the foam is ok. Being in Perth I cannot see myself using the heater much either other than maybe on demist and when the car goes over the pits for rego.

[mika03au]

Two boxes? Is that because you broke the first one pulling it apart? Still havent been able to get the crank arms of the flap rods. (see pic in first post) I so dont want to break them. Spraying them hasnt helped as was suggested. The foam they have used looks to be OK, any chance quizzing your trimmer and finding out? (or letting us know his contact and I can ask....)

Edited by mika03au, 28 April 2012 - 02:18 PM.

[Mort]

ass308, the grey foam you have on the flaps is the same stuff i have, got it from the local air cond guy, still trying to get some foam for the heater core but.

[lx308]

That grey foam looks like what I used also. No dramas in the hatch, yet. I've also just used it on the XU1.
It's about 5mm thick.
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[mika03au]

thanks heaps, will check the thread to see how you go....