High-Performance Aluminum Heater Core

Reliable Cabin Heating for 1980–1996 Ford F-Series and Bronco

Restore the warmth and comfort of your vehicle’s interior with this premium Aluminum Heater Core. Specifically engineered for the classic Ford truck and Bronco platforms, this unit is a high-durability replacement for leaking, clogged, or corroded factory cores. A failing heater core is often indicated by a sweet coolant smell inside the cab, greasy film on the windshield (fogging), or a significant drop in heater output.

Constructed from 100% brazed aluminum, this core offers superior thermal conductivity compared to older copper-brass designs, ensuring faster warm-up times and consistent heat distribution. The aluminum build is also highly resistant to the internal scaling and corrosion that typically lead to blockages, making it an ideal long-term solution for aging cooling systems.

Fitment Verification and Vehicle Applications

This heater core is designed as a direct-fit replacement for the following Ford models:

• Ford Bronco (Full Size): 1980–1986 (Models with Air Conditioning); 1987–1996 (All Models).

• Ford F-150 / F-250 / F-350 Pickup: 1980–1986 (Models with Air Conditioning); 1987–1996 (All Models).

• Ford F-100 Pickup: 1980–1986 (Models with Air Conditioning).

• Important Configuration Note: For 1980–1986 models, this unit is specifically for vehicles equipped with factory Air Conditioning. Please verify your HVAC box configuration before purchase.

Technical Specifications and Attributes

• Construction Material: High-Grade Aluminum.

• Core Design: Brazed Aluminum (No plastic tanks or mechanical joints).

• Thermal Performance: High-density fin pitch for maximum heat exchange.

• Inlet/Outlet: Precision-formed tubes to match factory heater hose diameters.

• Corrosion Resistance: Advanced aluminum alloy prevents premature oxidation.

What’s in the Box

• (1) High-Efficiency Aluminum Heater Core

Industry Cross-Reference Numbers

• Motorcraft: E9TZ18476B, HC7

• Spectra Premium: 94582

• Hollander: 676-00454

• DIY Solutions: HVA01011

• Ford: E3TZ-18476-A, F2TZ-18476-A

Installation and Technical Tips

• Heater Box Access: On many 1980–1996 Ford trucks, the heater core is accessible through a panel behind the glove box or from the engine bay side of the firewall. Inspect the heater box seals while the unit is out; brittle seals can cause air leaks and reduce heating efficiency.

• Cooling System Flush: Before installing the new core, it is strongly recommended to perform a complete cooling system flush. Sediment and old, acidic coolant are the primary causes of heater core failure. A clean system ensures the narrow passages of the new aluminum core remain unobstructed.

• Hose Inspection: Check the condition of your heater hoses and clamps. Since the hoses must be removed to swap the core, this is the most cost-effective time to install new reinforced rubber hoses to prevent future leaks.

• Bleed the System: Trapped air is the most common cause of "no heat" after a replacement. After installation, fill the radiator and run the engine with the heater on "High" and the radiator cap off (if safe) to allow air bubbles to escape. Parking on a slight upward incline can assist this process.