96 postal wagon heater core

[montana tom]

 My mail ladies husband contacted me about replacing the heater core on their 96 postal.  Knowing what was involved, I asked him about having the correct core for the job... he assured me after careful checking with parts house about postal cars he had the correct one.... (Famous last words)  As I suspected would happen, after 3 hrs gutting the dash to get to the heater unit , the "Correct" one wouldn't even fit in the housing. I looked on line myself and 98% of cores were wrong. The only ones that appeared to be correct were O.E. and cost $230-330.  I called owners and informed them what I had found. I suggested taking old core to a rad shop and have them remove tubes (not bolted on like US versions) and  fit them to a core that would fit in the housing.  After a few hours they called back and had decided to have one sent from the dealer... next Wednesday at the soonest.  OH well, I just love a complex job that has to wait a week ... my memory is sooo good these days.  Morel of this post ... IF ITS POSTAL  CALL THE DEALER FIRST !