Rusting radiator support/replacing front heater core

[Petesexpy]

2000 Expedition xlt. Any bright hacks/short cuts on fixing these two items? I'm trying to avoid taking apart the whole front end (quoted price $3,000-$3,500) to fix the rusting rad support.
Also, trying to avoid spending $800 to get front heat in a car worth $1,500... Flushing it gets about 50% of heat going for a couple of month. I replaced the rear heater core, so the car is not freezing at least...

 

[John Christopher]

There is a video on youtube where a guy had 3 pieces of metal cut and then welded in to hold up the support. This was 2 years or so ago and it's still holding up fine. It wasn't an Expy but uses the same principle. You should check it out.

 

[RichardH]

Ditto. Any competent shop can do nice patch to the supports. Be sure they disconnect the battery when welding and someone else can can chime in on what (and how) electrical components should be disconnected also.

I'm in a similar situation with the heater core but mine is bypassed. Zero heat and don't want to spend the bucks to tear the dash apart. Inexpensive part but the labor is killer. At least I'm in Houston and winters are short lived and not too cold. Ac works well though. And just got a new company car. so the Expy is my weekend driver.

Good luck.

 

[Joemz9]

I know the heater core might seem like a really big job, but if you take your time it's not too bad, did mine this last fall, I had flushed the heater core 3 times and every time it would warm up for a few days. I was worried of tearing the dash apart but once i followed most of the youtube videos it was flawless.

 

[mmurphy1313]

There is a company which has an office in baltimore that makes reproduction parts....got core support for under 300, mechanic charged under 500 to cut out old and weld in new. i could check receipts to get more accurate numbers, still a bitter pill but had to be done for inspection....

 

[mmurphy1313]

For radiator core support :
12-1-17, Keystone an LKQ company, 815 central av, Linthicum MD, 21090, 410 636 4600
P/N FO1225133V, $262