Spectra Heater Core from Classic Industries = JUNK!

[dirkpitt007]

Anyone looking to replace a leaking heater core for a '70 Cuda (or similar)...save yourself a lot of money and headache and don't waste your time with the aftermarket core from Classic Industries. The image in their catalog appears to be brass/copper like the original. When mine arrived the actual core was all aluminum and was very poorly assembled.  The "skirt" around the core was way too thick to fit into the box and actually get the clips to engae.  In addition, it did not have a one-piece skirt like the original but was four pieces welded together (poorly), the core itself was too large and wouldn't fit into the heater box and when I tried to slide it into my heater box it cracked the box.

I called Classic Industries to return it and they did a great job convincing me that they aren't a vendor I plan to do business with again.  I did my best to explain to them why the part didn't fit and that I couldn't believe any customer could get one to work.  They were pretty certain I was/am a moron.

Still needing a heater core I went down to my local O'Reilly's and amazingly they had a Murray brand heater core in their warehouse and it was delivered to the store in under 2 hours.  On top of that, it was $20 cheaper than Classic Industries (not including shipping).  It was a perfect match for the original heater core and the entire heater box was reassembled in under 30 minutes.  Funny how a correct part makes the job so much easier for a moron.

The rest of the story with Classic?  I have to ship the original core back on my dime, they will "inspect" it and determine if it can still be sold to some other poor sap.  If it can't, I can pay to have it shipped back to me or they will discard it...  At no time did they ever acknowledge that the part may not actually work for the application.

Moral of the story:  If you need a heater core, try O'Reillys and/or look for the Murray version/brand.

[Chryco Psycho]

good to know 

[shoooter]

How much at OReilly s? Do you have a part number?

[dirkpitt007]

On my O'Reilly receipt the part is a 399109 and was $41.99 net with a list of $71.17.

Here is the link to the O'Reilly site with the description:  http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MHT0/399109.oap?ck=Search_399109_-1_-1&keyword=399109

[elmoska]

i made the same mistake .. they should not even sell this crap

[Gumby]

Is this for just a heater box, or is the same for a heater/AC box also?

[AARTA340]

Good info on the heater core, thanks!

[ChallengerHK]

I got mine from Rock Auto, and it was also a perfect match.

[burdar]

Everything seems to be hit and miss.  I got a parts store heater core for the Challenger and it fit just fine.  I got one for the Dart and the tubes weren't bent properly.  It took a lot of modification to get it to work.

[Classic1]

Hi dirkpitt007,

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for the valuable feedback. We wanted you and the other cuda-challenger.com forum members to know that because of your feedback, we have addressed and corrected each of the issues that you had, and have also been able to source a more authentic reproduction heater core for the 1970-74 E-Body models. We believe cuda-challenger.com forum members and Mopar enthusiasts will appreciate the quality, fit and lower price of the new item we are carrying. http://www.classicindustries.com/mopar/parts/me1655.html Classic Industries would like to thank you for letting us know about your experience and giving us the chance to correct the issues to your complete satisfaction. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance. We appreciate your continued support and hope to serve you again in the future.

Ray Yager -  Merchandising Director
Classic Industries

[jimynick]

Hi dirkpitt007,

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for the valuable feedback. We wanted you and the other cuda-challenger.com forum members to know that because of your feedback, we have addressed and corrected each of the issues that you had, and have also been able to source a more authentic reproduction heater core for the 1970-74 E-Body models. We believe cuda-challenger.com forum members and Mopar enthusiasts will appreciate the quality, fit and lower price of the new item we are carrying. http://www.classicindustries.com/mopar/parts/me1655.html Classic Industries would like to thank you for letting us know about your experience and giving us the chance to correct the issues to your complete satisfaction. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance. We appreciate your continued support and hope to serve you again in the future.

Ray Yager -  Merchandising Director
Classic Industries

Well, you've gotta give the guy credit for at least paying attention and actually doing something about it. Good on you Ray

[AARuFAST]

I also need to replace the core in our AAR.
Purchased at Pep Boys. It was exact replacement.
One thing on buying local you can return it the same day.

[KillerBee]

Hi dirkpitt007,

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for the valuable feedback. We wanted you and the other cuda-challenger.com forum members to know that because of your feedback, we have addressed and corrected each of the issues that you had, and have also been able to source a more authentic reproduction heater core for the 1970-74 E-Body models. We believe cuda-challenger.com forum members and Mopar enthusiasts will appreciate the quality, fit and lower price of the new item we are carrying. http://www.classicindustries.com/mopar/parts/me1655.html Classic Industries would like to thank you for letting us know about your experience and giving us the chance to correct the issues to your complete satisfaction. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance. We appreciate your continued support and hope to serve you again in the future.

Ray Yager -  Merchandising Director
Classic Industries

Did I miss the part about giving the OP a full refund and since you publically acknowledge the heater core you sold him was defective and over priced he should expect or has already received a full refund on shipping.

I own 3 Challengers and all are needing parts....I'm always looking for the best vendors in price and service and like many here spend thousands on my cars yearly.

It's usually when you have a problem with a purchased item that a company's true customer service is discovered.

There are certain vendors that have ALWAYS treated me fairly and quickly addressed any issues I've had with a purchase, sometimes they aren't always the cheapest but I know I will be treated right if there are any issues and they will get my business.

Thanks to the OP for posting his experience and thanks to CC for giving us a place to post our negative experiences with vendors...in this case if the OP didn't have a place to post the negative way he was treated, Classic Industries would have just ignored him and continued to sell bad parts.

MANY of us are watching and taking notes....until I read the OP has been made right Classic Industries is on my vendors to avoid list. 

[cwestra]

I just picked up one of the Spectra's on eBay (P/N 94508) and had the exact same problems.  Very poor fit, thick frame, overpriced.  I'll be returning this and looking for a different one.  I agree, piece of junk.  Fortunately I didn't try and force it in.  Thanks for the post.

[tman]

Is this the same Spectra that make the gas tanks?