Heater core removal Help!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,804
Likes: 4
From: Standing still with all my might Texas
Cruise-In X Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
Originally Posted by Kdarrin
I am at the point where I 've removed 3 hex screws (inside) and one nut (engine compartment) and the Heater core housing will not budge. What else has to be done to get it out???????
It is a 1970 with A/C
It is a 1970 with A/C
I just changed the heater core on my 73 and had to remove everything from the firewall in the engine compartment first, then remove all the ducting under the dash that attaches to the heater box. Only then was I able to lift the box up and off of the firewall from the inside.
Please do not use the crow bar anymore, when I first got my vette every single box, and duct under the dash was broken because one of the previous Bubba's that worked on it had tried to remove them with a crow bar. But if you do break things at least be nice and leave all the peices under the carpet so the next guy can glass everything back together like I did on mine.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 421
Likes: 2
From: Long Grove, IL
Originally Posted by Kevin_73
Have you removed the evaporator box in the engine compartment??
Regards,
Jay
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Caldwell New Jersey
Jay
You were right about removing the hoses! Actually the hose clamps were stoping the housing from coming out, they just would not fit through that conduit .
These clamps were REAL tough to get off the hoses because they were hidden behind the A/C box.
Found out car had the original heater core still in it a Harrison
70 B.....my build date is June 25
What would be the best sealent to use. Something that will remain plyable.
You were right about removing the hoses! Actually the hose clamps were stoping the housing from coming out, they just would not fit through that conduit .
These clamps were REAL tough to get off the hoses because they were hidden behind the A/C box.
Found out car had the original heater core still in it a Harrison
70 B.....my build date is June 25
What would be the best sealent to use. Something that will remain plyable.
Last edited by Kdarrin; Mar 15, 2005 at 11:58 PM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 421
Likes: 2
From: Long Grove, IL
Where are you going to use the sealant? After all of the work to remove the core I would not try to putty up the leak but rather my recommendation would be to have your heater core recored by a radiator shop. The original Harrison cores fit better then any of the current replacement ones - even the ones from GM. If you decide to go with a replacement core let me know and maybe we can agree on a price for your old Harrison one.
Regards,
Jay
Regards,
Jay
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 421
Likes: 2
From: Long Grove, IL
When I installed my core there was no sealant between the heater box and core and I am not sure you would want any in there. If you are talking about sealing the heater box when you reassemble it, I used a thin bead of RTV silicone since no one will ever see it and the silicone is not likely to dry out and stop sealing.
I have no idea about the cost to recore your heater core but I would suspect it to be in the area of $40-50.
Regards,
Jay
I have no idea about the cost to recore your heater core but I would suspect it to be in the area of $40-50.
Regards,
Jay
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
Everything in this thread is true as I know it, but I was able to replace the heater core in my 69 non air unit from the front. In looking at the heater core from the firewall side, there is a tab held by two small hex head screws on the left side of the core. This tab has two **** which grab a retainer and keeps it from coming out the front. Take a look with a small mirror for a better view. If you remove the two screws or push the core forward and pull up on the retainer the core will come out the front. I am a little vague on the pushing or pulling, but definately worked for me. When I did mine this way it was all original and not "bubba." I ultimately ended up disassembling everything anyway to rebuild the box, but noted the tab for future reference. If you only need to replace the core, take a look with a mirror for the tab, it could save you a lot of work.
Last edited by Red 69; Mar 16, 2005 at 11:51 AM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 421
Likes: 2
From: Long Grove, IL
Originally Posted by Red 69
Everything in this thread is true as I know it, but I was able to replace the heater core in my 69 non air unit from the front. In looking at the heater core from the firewall side, there is a tab held by two small hex head screws on the left side of the core. This tab has two **** which grab a retainer and keeps it from coming out the front. Take a look with a small mirror for a better view. If you remove the two screws or push the core forward and pull up on the retainer the core will come out the front. I am a little vague on the pushing or pulling, but definately worked for me. When I did mine this way it was all original and not "bubba." I ultimately ended up disassembling everything anyway to rebuild the box, but noted the tab for future reference. If you only need to replace the core, take a look with a mirror for the tab, it could save you a lot of work.
Regards,
Jay
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