Heater Core Replacement

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Jan 19, 2011 | 12:21 PM

Deacon Don

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Racer

Joined: Nov 2010

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From: Vilonia Arkansas

Heater Core Replacement

I tackled replacing the heater core in my 72 roadster (non-air). Did it from the engine bay side and it took about an hour and a half to remove the old one. The biggest problem I had was sliding the old core out of the box. It was really wedged in there tight and there's no way to grab it from that side, but after a little gentle prying on the core, it slid right out. Thanks to everyone who posted on the forum about heater core replacement. I was going to do it from the dash side but found where it can be done from the other side on a non-air are. They're right, this really is the best and fastest way to do the job.

There was a huge mouse nest in the fan area and the little buggers had been chewing on the fan so I'll have to replace the fan. It's not chewed up too badly, but I figure I need to replace it. The fan motor is strong and doesn't need replacing.

Thanks again.

Jan 19, 2011 | 12:24 PM

MrJlr

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Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 12,239

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From: Chino CA

Mine has A/C.......so not as fun...! But I got through it...
Glad it worked out for ya !

Jan 19, 2011 | 01:04 PM

1LE

Drifting

Joined: Mar 2000

Posts: 1,321

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From: Haysville Ks

Did mine this past summer. Had to do it twice. First new one leaked.
Not to bad of a job on my 74.

Jan 19, 2011 | 03:00 PM

Cactus Dave

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From: Tucson Az

I am going to have to replace mine (77 with AC) ... what all is involved? I have changed a couple in my lifetime, but never on a Vette.

Jan 19, 2011 | 03:02 PM

Deacon Don

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Racer

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From: Vilonia Arkansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cactus Dave

I am going to have to replace mine (77 with AC) ... what all is involved? I have changed a couple in my lifetime, but never on a Vette.

See this thread: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...done-pics.html

Only for a non-air car tho. With air has to be done from behind the dash. Do a search and there is lots of helpful information on this site w/pics.

For those of you w/o air, I was unable to use the coat hanger/wire trick in the thread above to pull the core out. I had to get a little more aggressive with a pry tool. Damaged the old core a little in the process but it was junk anyway.

Last edited by Deacon Don; Jan 19, 2011 at 03:11 PM.

Jan 19, 2011 | 03:20 PM

Cactus Dave

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From: Tucson Az

Oh boy ... looks like fun.

Jan 19, 2011 | 03:22 PM

Deacon Don

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Racer

Joined: Nov 2010

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From: Vilonia Arkansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cactus Dave

Oh boy ... looks like fun.

From what I've read, it's a 6-7 hr. job for those with decent mechanical skills. This is one instance I'm glad I don't have air. Take your time and good luck.

Jan 19, 2011 | 05:30 PM

daviddoughty1

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I just did mine last weekend [ 76 with AC] turned into about 8 hours total. Probably 2 or 3 of those hours spent on repairing damper door pivots. Hopefully my airflow for AC is much better now that the little doors all open and close again. I used one from Oreilly's so I've got my fingers crossed for a while.