[C2] Possible heater core replacement
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 750
Likes: 510
From: Lucas TX
Possible heater core replacement
I am considering purchasing a 1967 Corvette with factory air and a big block 427. The previous owner (not available) had disconnected the heater hose from the block and zip tied them out of the way. I suspect that he had a leaking heater core and this was his quick fix. Of course, it could be that the hot water valve stuck open and he just had too much heat in the passenger compartment and this was his way of dealing with it,
I am fairly proficient DIY guy with plenty of tools, I have installed two Vintage Air AC systems in cars that I have resurrected (I live in Texas) and I have replaced a heater core in an old Jeep Wrangler that entailed removing the steering wheel and dash (what a PITA) . However, it appears that the big block takes up a lot of free space to get at the engine side of the heater box. How involved is this going to be if I have to replace the heater core?
I am fairly proficient DIY guy with plenty of tools, I have installed two Vintage Air AC systems in cars that I have resurrected (I live in Texas) and I have replaced a heater core in an old Jeep Wrangler that entailed removing the steering wheel and dash (what a PITA) . However, it appears that the big block takes up a lot of free space to get at the engine side of the heater box. How involved is this going to be if I have to replace the heater core?
Last edited by rfkirk; Apr 1, 2026 at 11:39 AM.
Good luck!
Pro
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 645
Likes: 386
From: Treasure Coast
It should be in your wheelhouse, I know you have to remove the glove box and other interior parts to get to it with the most difficult part under the dash working in a contorted position. I'm not a great mechanic, but I could get it done in a weekend. If it's the car I think it is, it's worth the effort.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 750
Likes: 510
From: Lucas TX
It should be in your wheelhouse, I know you have to remove the glove box and other interior parts to get to it with the most difficult part under the dash working in a contorted position. I'm not a great mechanic, but I could get it done in a weekend. If it's the car I think it is, it's worth the effort.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,105
Likes: 9,418
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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First get a copy of the AIM and you will see they built the car around the heater core. The hardest part is separating the inner and outer without breaking anything.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 750
Likes: 510
From: Lucas TX
Yeah, I once had to replace the fuel tank on a 1969 Jaguar XKE (E-Type) and I swore that tjhe first component placed on the assembly line was the damn tank and that they built the car around it with less than 1/4" clearance on any side........what a nightmare.
