Heater Core on 81
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8
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From: Clarenville Newfoundland and labrador
Heater Core on 81
I have just completed (almost) installing a new heater core on my 81. I just wanted to let anyone know that if you are changing this order a new set of hoses as well. There is no way that you will get the old hoses off without cuttting them. I, of course, did not order them and now will have to wait two weeks while I order a set as there are no local suppliers. The hoses are shaped to fit the vette and if you get ordinary hose from NAPA they will not fit right as there are some sharp corners that the hoses have to be made for.
This is a big job as you have to remove the center console, gauge cluster, glove box and let the dash loose although I did not have to remove the entire dash. Don't forget the stud that come through the firewall and holds the blower box on as well. I spent quite a bit of time on this as mine was stripped but a pair of vice grips a bit of sweat did the trick. To have this done at a garage would cost a lot of money because of the amount of labour involved. I have five or six hours into it now and nothing is put back yet.
While I was at the job I noticed I need a new heater control face and console plate as everything was held in with epoxy from some previous repair as all the mounting holes were broken.
Just part of the fun of owning a older corvette.
This is a big job as you have to remove the center console, gauge cluster, glove box and let the dash loose although I did not have to remove the entire dash. Don't forget the stud that come through the firewall and holds the blower box on as well. I spent quite a bit of time on this as mine was stripped but a pair of vice grips a bit of sweat did the trick. To have this done at a garage would cost a lot of money because of the amount of labour involved. I have five or six hours into it now and nothing is put back yet.
While I was at the job I noticed I need a new heater control face and console plate as everything was held in with epoxy from some previous repair as all the mounting holes were broken.
Just part of the fun of owning a older corvette.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Good Luck on the rest of the job..
