anti freeze in carpet

My gf has a mint condition classic 56 chevy. The heater core went out on it this weekend. Didnt overheat the engine - just bypassed the core. May or may not replace it - looks like the dash needs to come out to get to it!!! Of course, I've been trying to dry the passenger side carpet ever since. Is there a carpet cleaner that will get the anti freeze out of the carpet? I pulled it up and replaced the foam padding, but I'd like to get the 'slick' oily residue out if possible.
Also, the radiator will need replacing soon - corrosion on the fins. Any ideas where to get one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? I'd like to get at least a double core. No one locally has them. Best place I found online is Eckler's.
Thanks

 

What you have there is a fine American automobile. I would replace the heater core as well as the radiatior. There are many vintage Chevrolet reproduction sites were you can still get parts.
Another option is find a radiatior shop that can do old school real metal radiatiors.
It might cost more then a lets say 86 buick radiatior but well worth the price if you consider that it is for a fine car like your 56.
Also you might find a car club with old timers that breathe old cars they would sure help you and you would have fun to boot.
Good luck with your old school 56. They do not make them like that anymore.
What model do you have?
I am pretty sure the heater core can be replaced pretty easy with some good standard tools(no metric) and some time. I would also clean and restore every part I took off doing this job. There is no way it can be as hard as in todays plastic cars.

 

To get to the heater core you remove the heater from the in side.Pull the glove box,remove the nuts from bolts in engine comp,unhook controls and it should pull out. The best thing to cut AF is water. Take the mat out and give it a bath then go over it with a shop vac. DONT USE HOT WATER. RW

 

Thanks. Prestone cust service advised to use steam heat. I'm gonna leave the carpet and the htr core alone. The carpet is pretty dry after a couple of days with a fan and carpet pulled back. The htr core gets done at a local dealer thats familiar with the car.

 

When this happens in our shop, we use a product called carpet and upholstery spray you can buy at your local auto parts store called TUFF STUFF by Simonize.

It dissolves grease and will remove the slick oily residue left over from the anti freeze leak. Spray the carpets well with the spray, use a bristle brush to work in the foam into the carpet them allow to dry.

You should make sure you pull the carpet back from under the dash as much as you can to spray behind the carpet and allow that to air dry as best as you can before pushing the carpet back down on the floorboard. A few shots of LYSOL on the front and backsides of the carpet once dry would be a great idea as well.

If there is a lot of water, you should visit your local coin operated car wash and use their wet/dry vacuum to suck up the water from the carpets. Do not use your regular house vacuum for this, it is not made to suck up moisture and will only cause problems.

If you cannot find the product TUFF STUFF, buy a can of carpet cleaner and use that instead. I really like TUFF STUFF, and we use cans of it each week when we clean out and detail customer’s vehicles.

It is safe to use on most interior finishes like seats (not leather), headliners, carpets, etc., etc. and you do not have to vacuum after using it, it is a great stuff
Austin Davis
The Honest Mechanic

 

I'd like to add that you really really don't want to leave the antifreeze on the carpet any longer than you absolutely have to either.

 

I used Tuff Stuff and it worked GREAT!!!!! Got all of the antifreeze out of the carpet and most of it out of the foam backing. I replaced the foam pad and cleaned the 'floor' under the pad before drying and repositioning the carpet.
Thanks to all for comments and suggestions.
PS - probably wont replace the heater core - dont drive it in the winter anyway. Next owner will get to tackle that 'little' project.

 

If I had a '56 Chevy and the carpets had gotten wet with AF, I would remove the seats (not a big deal) and pull up the carpet and pad and pressure wash or replace the carpet and reinstall after drying. This will give you a chance to make sure the floor is dry cause rust is the mortal enemy of 56 Chevys. You could even use the opportunity to spray some rust proofing on the floor pans. Hell, we're talking about a car worth some serious money, right?

 

You didn't say if it was a hardtop, two door, four door. Are you looking for the NEXT owner? I am a big '56 fan and need a new project car.