Why is there a ground strap on the heater core?

[HAFROD]

I'm in process of cleaning up and refurbing my 78 Salons heater box assembly. I'm replacing the heater core with a new one. I don't understand why there is a ground strap from the heater core to the firewall. Does it need to be there? I smoothed my firewall and really don't want a ground strap protruding out the front of the heater box.

 

[FE3X CLONE]

It's there to help fight electrolysis in the cooling system. Without it you can get a lot more corrosion between the dissimilar metals in the engine.

 

[ssn696]

The brass heater core is suspended in a plastic/foam surround and is connected to the iron engine block by rubber heater hoses - the ground strap is the only metallic connection. Dissolved minerals will make a weak electrolyte out of the coolant. Maybe you could power a dash LED off the combination.

 

[565bbchevy]

I smoothed my firewall and really don't want a ground strap protruding out the front of the heater box.

I would just make or buy a longer ground strap and ground it someplace that is hidden if that is your concern.

 

[jacobdavis1979]

Not sure dont remember my malibu having one. The only ground i can think of back there is the head to firewall ground.
But function is better than appearance probly best to keep it