A lady friend of mine needs a new heater core installed in a 79 with ac, what is involved in this job. do I remove dash etc.

 

Assuming it's like my '73 w/AC, you'll have to remove the rh dash to get at it.
Dale in Badgerland.

 

Right side glove box pad only. Center cluster. All bolts on the inside but one on the firewall in the engine compartment.

3-6 hour job.

Jim

 

You mean the the glove box liner and door?

 

I had to replace my 82 heater core a few months ago. Had to remove the entire dash to get at it. It sucked! On the other hand it needed to be done and I'm glad I did it.

 

Yup. Not a fun job. Replaced mine twice in the 30 years I've owned my '73. First time took about 6 hours. Second time was only about 3 hours since I already knew what I was up against.
Dale in Badgerland.

 

Im going to have to tear into mine as well.. not a job i look forward to. Good luck on hers!

 

When you're done, take the old one out back and beat the tar out of it. It really does make you feel better!

 

I like that plan.

I put a new dash pad in my 78 twenty years ago, I dont recall that was too bad. I was a few pounds lighter then.

 

Here's the best reference I've found yet. Great photos and good narrative:

 

On my 69 without air, it took me about 6 hours. Yes, it was a learning experience. The next time around it should be quicker. I heard the ac cars are more of a pain.

 

"Pain" is an understatement.

 

Looks all too familar

 

Sorry for the delay. Yes thats what I mean. When you get real good at it just the glove box is enough.

Youwill get the box out without removing the center cluster. The problem is getting it back in. Its a snug fit on the duct work.

You may also find that you have to remove the duct on the driver side. There is a distribution box behind the center cluster. It has a bit of wiggle room but not much.

Don't for get the one bolt buried on the passenger side engine firewall.

As for the hoses that go to the core underneath, loosen and try to remove. if it doesn't work cut them off as close to the core as possible then cut off the excess hose on the core tubes.

If you have to take out the center cluster. Youwill need to take off both side panels on the center consol. Don't forget the two bolts that hold the center cluster to the center consol. One on each side up underneath. The center cluster is bolted to the center consol plate.

The center cluster is a bit of a pain to get out too. Remove the those two bolts. Remove all the screws holding it to the dash pads. Pull the top out and unplug the light bulb, won't clear the dash pad until you do this then pull the cluster out from the top. Of course the sterwo may have to come out first. Other option is to loosen off the consol plate and pull the center cluster out from the bottom but it won't clear the shifter. You need to pull the bottom out and put the shifter into the low gear position to get the space.

Its a bit of work but not hard. Like I said 4-6 hours your first time. Less then 3 hours once you've done it.

Jim