Ok, from the pictures here's what they did...

They removed the header covers, soldered the offending tube shut on both ends, repaired any other problem/leaks that it had, re-soldered the covers back on and did a pressure test on it. Pretty much the standard procedure for repairing a leak if a recore is not needed. If the quote was to re-core the heater core then they did not do that.

Kind of an expensive fix for such a little core, I paid less than that to have the tanks removed, core rodded out (a lot of work considering there were only 18 tubes open on a 3 core), tanks re-soldered and presure test for a full size Mini radiator.  But then again, it is a NLA part over here so be glad it doesn't leak, put it back in and go for it. The loss of one tube isn't a big deal for a heater core. 

As long as you have the core out, I would take the core down to a few other shops to see if they could re-core it in the future for you. That way you could compare prices in advance and have a plan when it does eventually die.  A "good" shop could fab you a complete heater core from scratch if needed for a price. I prefer a Mom-Pop shop for this kind of work though, just find someone that's a craftsman not a business man like I do.   dan

"I don't know much, but what I do know I know little of "

Looks like they may have cut some of the fins to get at the core to repair it. If they pressurised it and it didn't leak it will be fine.

The fins are only there to provide surface area and the cuts won't affect performance.

If it leaked before and doesn't now then you got your $75 worth and should be quite pleased.

Cheers, Ian

I have a NZ recirculating heating as a spare from a mini I had before the cooper I have now. It has a rheostat switch. Silver hammertone with NZ decal.

Thank You in advance!

Stieve

Grumpy: I'm bettin' The Joker told you to kill me soon as we loaded the cash.
BOZO;The Joker: No no no no, I kill the bus driver.
Grumpy: Bus driver? What bus driver?

I was quoted/paid $75 and fear it was a rip off. I tried to find a replacement, but no one in town seemed to be able to locate one for me. I looked through several books trying to find something close without any results. It is difficult finding this part, as it is from a NZ car, which apparently is not using a stanard heater unit.

Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.

What did he charge you? I would test it myself, plug one end,  and attach a length of hose, to non-capped pipe, fill with water and  see if it leaks out. If no leak try using compressed air, and put into the end of the attached length of hose, with the other end still capped off, and apply air into the open end making a seal with a blow nozzle. Should be kinda like they did, but a home version. I would have asked for a quote to repair, and see what it is compared to a new core. I have my heater out, and stored. Too hot here, but it is a hard to find, YOM(year of manufacture).

Thank You in advance!

Stieve

Grumpy: I'm bettin' The Joker told you to kill me soon as we loaded the cash.
BOZO;The Joker: No no no no, I kill the bus driver.
Grumpy: Bus driver? What bus driver?

here's the "after" pic. Shouldn't this have been repaired. The guy at the shop said it wasn't a big deal, but it didn't seem right... I've never dealt with a heater core before, so who was I to say much of anything.

Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.

I  found a shop to repair my heater core and I am not sure if I got what I paid for. They pressurized it in front of me and I did not see any leaks, but it still doesn't seem right. Here are some before/after pics. Is this standard procedure or did I get screwed over?

Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.