Last step in getting my cooling system under control, I pulled the heater box last night. Motor still runs, and the box in general was in pretty good shape. The plenum has some tears in it, so will need to spend some time seeing if it?s salvageable. That being said I searched and saw different suggestions on treating the metal parts in the heater box. Mine have some rust, so I have them in evaporust right now. Overnight, most of the rust is gone and they are cleaning up nice, but trying to figure out how best to protect them from future corrosion, considering that I will also need to stick new foam to them. I recognize that no one will really ever see them so I?ve considered just painting them. Maybe just a clear coat so they remain metal looking. Any guidance on a good way to protect them while still being able to stick the new foam?
I also pulled the heater core, and expected it to be terrible, but water runs through it. I?m tempted to just reuse it, since I really don?t have a reason not to. I figured I would flush it good first, and maybe put some pressure to it just to make sure it doesn?t have any leaks anywhere. I guess one thing I can?t see is whether it has some clogs that are preventing it from fully working as it was intended, but wanted to get the advice of the folks that have been doing this a lot longer than I have. It?s one of those things that no one will see, but in an effort to keep as much original as possible, I lean toward putting it back in. Attached some picture for reference and to add to the library for future reference.
