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My car is a 69 convert without air - and the heater core was apparently leaking as the PO had the inlet and outlet hoses hooked together. I have heard that you can replace the heater core on these cars from the engine side, was wondering form others if this was true. It certainly looks like you can do it, but I was wondering if there any reasons why it cannot be done. I really don't want to remove the dash and all, as that would probably sideline me longer than I wanted.
My car is a 69 convert without air - and the heater core was apparently leaking as the PO had the inlet and outlet hoses hooked together. I have heard that you can replace the heater core on these cars from the engine side, was wondering form others if this was true. It certainly looks like you can do it, but I was wondering if there any reasons why it cannot be done. I really don't want to remove the dash and all, as that would probably sideline me longer than I wanted.
Yes, it can be done from the engine side. I've done it. I'm tearing my AC 69 car down now and that's a different story...
Hi, definitely from the engine side. I did it last spring on our '68. I think you'll find this thread helpful - go thru the entire thing and you'll see how I changed my mind on how to do it. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-question.html
Remember when you put your heater hoses back on to wet the inlet/outlet down first so the hoses slip on easier. You don't want to 'wiggle' the inlet/outlet much - kind of a weak point.
Have fun. You'll also catch the 'while I'm in there' disease, because you'll probably end up doing a bunch of other cleaning up too. Best, Paul
Absolutely possible from engine bay. Hopper12's thread helped me tremendously!
I had more difficulty fitting my new core in than getting the old one out. I have a 72 w/o air. Got mine from Zip and listened the advice of folks here, and had the inlet and outlet tubes reinforced at a local radiator shop.
Now I have plenty of heat and no leaks!
Hi Fastimes, I had a bit of trouble getting the new core to fit too. Once I got the 'keeper' out, the old core came out fairly easily. The new core was a tough fit so I did the 'unthinkable'. I used my dremel and ground the opening just a bit. Then the new one fit much easier. And the area that was opened up just a bit (probably 1/8 to 3/16 inch) will never be seen because it's completely covered by the box when you put it back on.
So I've got the blower motor cover out and unhooked the left side heater clip, but it seems there is something holding the heater core in. Is there any clips on the right side?
Hello jpatrick62. I'm also in the process of doing the same job on my 69 WO AC.I might be a little late in answering you but the answer is yes. If you haven't already you remove the rubber piece around the inlet & outlet tubes and will se that there is clip held in place with two small screw/bolts that has to be removed. At least that is how it was made and unless someone else has done work on it will probably still be there.
Mine was also held in place with what appeared to be silicone so to the box it sits in so was a bugger to get out.
Now I'm checking the forum for any tips to make the installation easier.
^^^^ mbp is right on concerning the 'hidden clip'. And for a bit more info on fitting a new one back in, see post #5 above. It'll be okay - you'll never see the 'slightly widened opening' because there is a lot of extra room as you put the heater fan/box back on. You'll get it. Take a deep breath, remember how much you really like your C3, take your time and don't rush, and think of each curve ball as another way of getting to know your old school corvette a bit better. After all, there are few of us on the planet that get to own these beautiful cars. Or do they own us?.....................
Do the next guy a favor and don't glob a bunch of siht to seal the housing. The pain is cleaning up the mess that someone left behind. I got a roll of sticky sealer, 3/8" black around butyl tape.
Completely in agreement there. Just finished my 72 with air. Been working on cars for over 40 years and this is the WORST job I've ever done. Never again
Do the next guy a favor and don't glob a bunch of siht to seal the housing. The pain is cleaning up the mess that someone left behind. I got a roll of sticky sealer, 3/8" black around butyl tape.
Yeahm I've spent literally hours scraping and otherwise trying to clean up the blower motor housing and heater housing. It's like the factory had a sludge fest there - Now of course, 50+ years later it is hard as a rock. I understand making it water proof so rain doesn't leak into the cabin, but wasn't there a better way back in 1969 to seal this thing off? And don't get me started on the wiper trough (another project I started this winter) - what a mess that was!
Yeahm I've spent literally hours scraping and otherwise trying to clean up the blower motor housing and heater housing. It's like the factory had a sludge fest there - Now of course, 50+ years later it is hard as a rock. I understand making it water proof so rain doesn't leak into the cabin, but wasn't there a better way back in 1969 to seal this thing off? And don't get me started on the wiper trough (another project I started this winter) - what a mess that was!
You have to remember these were mass produced cars and they built them as fast as they could and yes, they used the best/cheapest sealant at the time. High quality has never been on of GMs traits unfortunately. Slap it on and roll it down the line.
Heater Core Replacement
Best, Paul
