:( The heater core on my 68 327 just sprung a leak! The (dumb) question I have is: Can I just take the heater hoses off and plug each one until I can replace the core, or is it necessary to connect the two hoses so the coolant can circulate?

You can just plug them.
NAPA and other auto parts houses even sell special 5/8" and 3/4" rubber caps to plug the block fittings ( :confused: why not just take the fitting out and use pipe plugs?).

Do a search under 'replacing heater core' to find out how to get your old one out for repair of replacement.

Thanks Vintage68

We plugged the water pump and intake manifold with some nice brass fittings from Winchester Auto. No leaks so far.

It's a good thing we are into summer as it will allow us to put off for some time the unfun task of replacing the heater core. No matter which approach you take - the "must take the fender off" or "take it out from inside the car" - the job looks unrewarding (until you need the defroster that is). So, on to other things for now...

Thanks again.