What have others done - are there any late model alternatives?
I have 3 heater cores and all are original and need to be repaired which I have been quoted maybe $150-200+ to repair and $400 for a completely new core using my original tanks!
A couple of options from the UK being:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/163526592689?ViewItem=&item=163526592689#shpCntId
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FORD-ESCORT-MK2-HEATER-MATRIX-NEW-76-TO-80/253400286140
The first looks to be manufactured as per the originals with copper and brass materials.
The latter is a more modern approach with alloy core and plastic tanks.
Given the considerable price advantage I'm inclined to go with the latter - anyone have any experiences with either?
 

Hi Paul,
I'm pretty sure that I have a spare heater core that is in good nick, I can check it if you're interested, $20 plus postage.
 
Cheers, Len

I stuck a caravan electric heater in my mk1 van , and didn't want water cores in the cab. I pulled the unit apart and and fitted the heater elements and fuses etc. Also ditched the fan in favor of a Gixxer 750 radiator thermo fan, nice and flat n quiet except it sends the dash vents out the back doors on full speed !!

As for replacement cores, I was looking into Sierra ones, but have used TF Cortina ones as they are wider and crank heaps more heat than escort ones, highly recommend them , only slight mods to the heater box and your good to go..

Thanks Len but for around $80 I will give the new one I listed above a go.
Marty, with all the other mods I’ve done electric heating was possibly overlooked but as my electrics are pretty well sorted I’m not sure I will bother - but food for thought 👍

Be careful, if it is made in china it may cost $500 in headaches *when* it springs a leak.
:)

Hi,Paul, If you change your mind and go electric, Demon Tweeks in UK sell really neat unit. Cheers Peter.

Thanks guys.

Hi Paul,
I have an Escort Panel Van in need of a new heater core and was looking at those ones in the UK too. Just wondering how you went with it?

No I haven’t done anything about it as concentrating on other things sorry but will likely go with the UK one.

No worries, thanks for getting back to me.
Jane