Bea,you should have asked the radiator shop for an estimate to recore/replace the heater core. When I had my 62 valiant I couldn't find a new replacement/ the shop ordered the tank portion and soldered my ends to the new (core) .worked great--the car is still motoring along today!!
Hopefully your secret mechanic can fix you up--- one guy in particular is pretty much an expert on these engines. Lawrence
