Not really sure if this is the right place to post this...I looked. I read the article on heater core replacement and noticed there were a few details which are a little off for me. The metal clamps I read about don't fit on the new core I bought because it is shaped just a little different than the stock core. The core fits nice and tight but without the plastic housing that the two metal clamps were in unless I do some modding but even then it sits a little crooked. I can get the box on which houses the core but is that good enough?

 

no.

that heater core is held in place by that plastic bracket with the 2 metal clips.

Your heater core may of been bent during shipping. Bring the original heater core with you to the parts store and get a correct fit.

 

I'll have to take a picture. Its like the same size and everything just without the little indents for the brackets.