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I'm replacing my heater core in my '64 coupe (no air conditioning). I have the fan housing in the engine bay removed, and I thought that would free the heater core. I can see the whole core, but it still seems to be trapped behind the firewall. The manual isn't too helpful—it seemed to indicate it was right behind the fan housing. Is there something else I need to remove to get it out? Or do I have to remove it from under the dashboard?
I'm replacing my heater core in my '64 coupe (no air conditioning). I have the fan housing in the engine bay removed, and I thought that would free the heater core. I can see the whole core, but it still seems to be trapped behind the firewall. The manual isn't too helpful—it seemed to indicate it was right behind the fan housing. Is there something else I need to remove to get it out? Or do I have to remove it from under the dashboard?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Not sure if yours is the same but I did my 66, I had to take out the glove box and get it out from the interior side. The heater core is in the inner 1/2 of the heater box and has some hidden clips that hold it in. Be careful, old stuff is very brittle and cracks easy. When I got done I had to seal the outer box to the fire wall with dum dum because of air leaks from warpage. Good luck
I believe your 64 is the same as my 66 so it must be removed from the inside. Remove the glove box, disconnect electric clip and heater/defrost cable then remove entire housing. The air duct must also be unattached from drivers side for unit to slide out. Kind of limited working space so be patient and careful. You might want to replace the heater box gasket when reinstalling.
If you find the mounting holes in the heater box cracked, this is how I repaired mine from the back side using washers and fiberglass matting. Then I used some bondo and sanded the outside, which is visible on the firewall side, before painting it.
The job is not fun and you do not want to do it more than once. I currently have my box out while I am restoring my interior. My heater core needed to be replaced. I purchased one and was recommended by a radiator shop to make sure the fittings for the heater hoses are well soldered. I took the first core to him and he pressure tested it and it leaked. The second one was bent in an "S" shape. I will be taking my third one to the shop tomorrow. Bottom line, have the heater core checked out or check it out yourself PRIOR to installing the box. Also coat the hoses and fittings with silicone lube. My $.02.
These guys recored my heater : http://www.caparadiator.net I haven't reinstalled it yet, project creep. I decided to pull the dash cluster and restore it.
Joe
Turn around time was about 10 days
Last edited by ah53; Oct 30, 2018 at 09:30 PM.
Reason: additional info
Got the old heater core out today. That last screw of the heater box on the driver's side is a real pain in the neck!
...Only to discover that they sold me the wrong replacement core—it was one inch shorter than the old one and won't fit the brackets and mounts.
Now it's all torn apart for who knows how long???
I had the same exact problem. I bought a core from local auto parts chain store. Did not fit at all. Got my money back and ordered one from CC. Cost more but fit like a glove.
Regardless of what Heater Core you install, make sure to have it tested.....This is not a Job you want to do twice!!! I purchased a New replacement Core (Mexico), had it tested, then installed it. I had my Harrison Core re-cored (4 Weeks), tested and boxed.
Replacing Heater Core
