heater core repair
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 403
Likes: 14
From: antelope ca
heater core repair
I am getting ready to change my heater core. I understand that this is about a ten hour project. Can anyone give me any tips?
Last edited by redvetteman81; Nov 12, 2010 at 04:18 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
thegazman
If you are going to go through all the work to replace the heater core, take to time to rebuild the entire heater box; new seals, etc. The doors will probably be rusty and need to be cleaned and painted. Also look at the vacuum hoses and replace as needed.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 403
Likes: 14
From: antelope ca
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 275
Likes: 6
From: NY
I have done this job two more times than I should have. Understand what I'm saying and save one go-around. Buy your new core in any part store. 90% it's from china. The port angles are wrong/brittle. They will break upon installation if not dead correct. The ports are not silver soldered in china. Take the core to a radiator shop. Remove your firewall by the fan [5 screws] Its width needs to be considered when re-silver soldering the ports. The next leak is a worn out core >20yrs from now.
Last edited by sjr1971; Nov 12, 2010 at 08:10 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
I did mine this spring. The replacement core did not fit the same as the one I was replacing so I had to take extra care but it was not that bad of a job.
Heater core replacement
Heater core replacement
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
I have done this job two more times than I should have. Understand what I'm saying and save one go-around. Buy your new core in any part store. 90% it's from china. The port angles are wrong/brittle. They will break upon installation if not dead correct. The ports are not silver soldered in china. Take the core to a radiator shop. Remove your firewall by the fan [5 screws] Its width needs to be considered when re-silver soldering the ports. The next leak is a worn out core >20yrs from now.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
Agree with the above. I suggest getting the rebuild kit from Zip or similar. Guarantee the foam inside that thing is all but demolished. I had to use a brillo pad and some goo-gone stuff to get it all cleaned up. The only issue is I have no idea how the hell I was going to use the OEM rivets to put all back together. I ended up just using a blind rivet tool and some blind rivets from Home Depot. They worked like a champ and are way easier than the included rivets in the Zip product. Also, definitely be very careful with the ports, they will not fit exactly, but with care you can get them in. I didn't have a need for them to be re-soldered, but your results may vary.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: McDonough GA
He's right! Do it all, do it right or do it twice. No shortcuts.
