Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 495
Likes: 9
From: Galena OH
Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB
All, I remember reading about a heater core replacement thread, but was unable to locate it. Here is my question, I have a 69 BB without air conditioning. I remember that someone said that on the early BB C3's without air you could pull the heater core out into the engine bay. I am having a hard time trying to do that, so I have moved on to the removal of the passenger side dash. I am still unable to get the core out. I have loosen the braces and thinking that the center console may need to be removed. Am i going into the right direction? I hope that the driver's side dash doesnt need to be removed. Thanks for any enlightment....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 787
Likes: 1
From: Toronto Ontario
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (Cool427shark)
Why replace the heater core just remove the heater hoses, That is the last thing you need on a BB with air, Why wast your time and money replacing the heater core
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Elk Grove CA
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (Cool427shark)
You should not need to remove the center console. Do you have to two sides seperated? Once you have all the nuts off the studs you should be able to move the engine side over which will give you clearance (for the metal tubes) to pull the passanger compartment side, with the core, out.
There are several seals in there too. You should consider replacing them while you're in there. There are kits that include blend door seals for about $30.
There are several seals in there too. You should consider replacing them while you're in there. There are kits that include blend door seals for about $30.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 495
Likes: 9
From: Galena OH
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (69RPOL68)
Is there anything holding the heater core in the the duct work under the wipers, like anymore screws/bolts? I have removed the fan/blower assembly, so the heater core is exposed. So, I dont need to have the passenger side dash removed? The heater core should come out from the engine compartment and not from the interior side? I have tried to remove the core from the engine compartment but is seems it will not fit through the hole or is stuck.
Thanks,
[Modified by Cool427shark, 10:58 AM 5/9/2002]
Thanks,
[Modified by Cool427shark, 10:58 AM 5/9/2002]
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Elk Grove CA
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (Cool427shark)
There is a bracket with a single screw the holds the core to the inside plenum. You may not be able to even see it from the engine compartment. There are only a few screws for that rt side dash. Don't be afraid to pull it. It really opens things up. You will have easy access to the inside plenum.
If it has never been apart before you may find a sheet metal screw holding the center distribution duct to the bottom on each side and one on the top duct that goes to the top center console. You will need to pull that inside plenum out of the car, remove the heater core retaining bracket and then pull the core out of the plenum. You can't do it from the engine side.
If it has never been apart before you may find a sheet metal screw holding the center distribution duct to the bottom on each side and one on the top duct that goes to the top center console. You will need to pull that inside plenum out of the car, remove the heater core retaining bracket and then pull the core out of the plenum. You can't do it from the engine side.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 0
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (69RPOL68)
Quite a few members here who are running without a/c have been able to pull the core out through the engine compartment. Check out this thread... http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=188174
I will be doing it this way on my 69 this Saturday morning. I can document the surgery with pictures if you think it will help you. Let me know...
:cheers:
Tom
[modified] - Just looked at your sig pic. Sweet! :D
[Modified by 427_Roadster, 5:27 PM 5/9/2002]
I will be doing it this way on my 69 this Saturday morning. I can document the surgery with pictures if you think it will help you. Let me know...
:cheers:
Tom
[modified] - Just looked at your sig pic. Sweet! :D
[Modified by 427_Roadster, 5:27 PM 5/9/2002]
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,715
Likes: 1
From: VASS, NC, USA
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (427_Roadster)
It is very easy, and not a pain when removing a non AC heater core. There are only about 6 or so nuts that hold the heater box on. There is one nut that is a little difficult to get to. The one right behind the passengers side head. It can be readily accesed with a deap socket, 1/4 drive socket and wrench. I beleive the nuts are 7/16
1. Drain rad fluid
2. Cut hoses off old heater core
3. Remove nuts
4. Gently pry heater box off
5. Gently pry old core out. Watch for the little retainer clips that may fall out
6. Installation is revere
get new seals prior. your old ones will be shot
1. Drain rad fluid
2. Cut hoses off old heater core
3. Remove nuts
4. Gently pry heater box off
5. Gently pry old core out. Watch for the little retainer clips that may fall out
6. Installation is revere
get new seals prior. your old ones will be shot
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (73-454)
Why replace the heater core just remove the heater hoses, That is the last thing you need on a BB with air, Why wast your time and money replacing the heater core
[Modified by Alwyn678, 1:12 PM 5/9/2002]
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (Alwyn678)
Even though the winters are mild and the summers are blistering here, I wanted everything to work. We have lots of cold, clear days in the winter that are perfect for driving, and a heater makes it real nice. Nothing like a run up to Tahoe, sun on your back, with the top down and the heater blasting! I envy you the simpler task of doing a core without A/C. I'd still pull the inside passenger panel to seal the ducts and add some heat insulation!
Hans
Hans
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (Cool427shark)
There is a retainer clip on the left side. Also some have had to take a coarse rasp file to the firewall framing to get clearnance to nudge the core out.
[Modified by paul79, 8:46 PM 5/9/2002]
[Modified by paul79, 8:49 PM 5/9/2002]
[Modified by paul79, 8:46 PM 5/9/2002]
[Modified by paul79, 8:49 PM 5/9/2002]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 495
Likes: 9
From: Galena OH
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (paul79)
All,
Thanks for all of the encouragment and help. I have the heater core out. I was unable to get it out through the firewall. I couldn't get the darn thing to move as in Paul79's pictures. I ended up pulling the center gauge cluster out and the radio. There was a clip with two screws that held the core to the housing. These screws were not visible.
I believe the total time spend to remove the core was about 4 hours. I have a new core on order from a local supplier, but will keep the old one. I will receive the new core hopefully on Monday and will have time to put the car back together on Wednesday. I don't think I broke any parts during the disassembly. The good news is the birdcase on the passenger side did not have much rust. Now is an excellent time to apply some POR-15.
Enjoying the hobby,
Thanks for all of the encouragment and help. I have the heater core out. I was unable to get it out through the firewall. I couldn't get the darn thing to move as in Paul79's pictures. I ended up pulling the center gauge cluster out and the radio. There was a clip with two screws that held the core to the housing. These screws were not visible.
I believe the total time spend to remove the core was about 4 hours. I have a new core on order from a local supplier, but will keep the old one. I will receive the new core hopefully on Monday and will have time to put the car back together on Wednesday. I don't think I broke any parts during the disassembly. The good news is the birdcase on the passenger side did not have much rust. Now is an excellent time to apply some POR-15.
Enjoying the hobby,
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 0
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (Cool427shark)
Rick,
Sorry to hear you had such a time but what's really weird, I did mine today also and was able to pull it through the engine compartment. I didn't see any screws holding it in though. There was a removable spring clip on the left side, and a stationary one on the right. It was in tight, but cam out with a little nudging. I think the hardest part of the job was maneuvering the blower/heater box cover out of the car for painting.
I'm very glad it's only a once every 30 years type job! :smash:
:cheers:
Tom
Sorry to hear you had such a time but what's really weird, I did mine today also and was able to pull it through the engine compartment. I didn't see any screws holding it in though. There was a removable spring clip on the left side, and a stationary one on the right. It was in tight, but cam out with a little nudging. I think the hardest part of the job was maneuvering the blower/heater box cover out of the car for painting.
I'm very glad it's only a once every 30 years type job! :smash:
:cheers:
Tom
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (Cool427shark)
Sorry that is did not work out. I have heard from others that my solution does not work. In most cases it simply means that you take a rasp file and enlarge the heater box firewall area.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 495
Likes: 9
From: Galena OH
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (Bobbyg75)
All,
The heater core is replaced. When I put it back together I didnt put the two screws back on the clip on the heater core so in twenty years I will be able to pull it out through the firewall. Total time about 8 hours. Thanks to everyone for the advice and help.
Also, POR-15 is heavy epoxy-type of paint that covers/inhibits rust from spreading.
:chevy
The heater core is replaced. When I put it back together I didnt put the two screws back on the clip on the heater core so in twenty years I will be able to pull it out through the firewall. Total time about 8 hours. Thanks to everyone for the advice and help.
Also, POR-15 is heavy epoxy-type of paint that covers/inhibits rust from spreading.
:chevy
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (Cool427shark)
Glad to be of some help? And nice of you to finish the thread. That is always appreciated by members who take the time to provide advice. Sometimes we are right but sometimes we are wrong. We do not wish to get it wrong the next time. But I am perplexed about those two screws that caused you so much misery. Where are they?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 495
Likes: 9
From: Galena OH
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (paul79)
Paul,
There were two screws(cant reminder the size right now) on the left side of the core between the hose connections. These screws attached the to the rubber padding around the hose connections. Once the screws are in, the core can't move from the plenum. I really didnt see the real purpose for the screws other than keeping the core from moving when removing the heater plenum. Once the plenum is back in, the heater core is fine. This may be helpful when removing the heater plenum from under the dash, so the heater core doest fall out. Another thing I did was to replace all of the speed nuts that hold the blower fan casing to the fire wall with 'real' nuts. I hope this didnt 'kill' the originality of the car, but I am the mechanic that fixes it and plan to keep the car for many more years.
Thanks,
[Modified by Cool427shark, 6:08 AM 5/19/2002]
There were two screws(cant reminder the size right now) on the left side of the core between the hose connections. These screws attached the to the rubber padding around the hose connections. Once the screws are in, the core can't move from the plenum. I really didnt see the real purpose for the screws other than keeping the core from moving when removing the heater plenum. Once the plenum is back in, the heater core is fine. This may be helpful when removing the heater plenum from under the dash, so the heater core doest fall out. Another thing I did was to replace all of the speed nuts that hold the blower fan casing to the fire wall with 'real' nuts. I hope this didnt 'kill' the originality of the car, but I am the mechanic that fixes it and plan to keep the car for many more years.
Thanks,
[Modified by Cool427shark, 6:08 AM 5/19/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (Cool427shark)
Glad it worked out for you. I have a 69 427/400 non AC car. Same motor as yours only with 3x2's. I was able to replace my heater core strictly from/through the engine compartment. I wonder if the "extra" screws you found were an early/late production change, or assembly change? Who knows what GM did building these cars. :) Chuck
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 7,607
Likes: 1
From: ECS Sales & Service Advisor
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: Heater Core Replacement on 69 BB (Chuck Gongloff)
I just did my core last week as well, and I too had the two screws on the retainer clip (i think they were 5/16ths ) that were not easily visable. I ripped the old core out through the engine compartment, before removing the clip. It wasnt untill after the core came out that I saw the second clip with the screws!!! :eek:
I did have to push the box into the car a little bit to get that clip and the screws back in there... but thankfully I did not have to remove the complete box assembly!
BTW... My car is an early 69.... maybe they changed it somewhere along the line... :cheers:
I did have to push the box into the car a little bit to get that clip and the screws back in there... but thankfully I did not have to remove the complete box assembly!
BTW... My car is an early 69.... maybe they changed it somewhere along the line... :cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 155
Likes: 2
From: Naples Florida
1969 Corvette heater core
I just did my core last week as well, and I too had the two screws on the retainer clip (i think they were 5/16ths ) that were not easily visable. I ripped the old core out through the engine compartment, before removing the clip. It wasnt untill after the core came out that I saw the second clip with the screws!!! 
I did have to push the box into the car a little bit to get that clip and the screws back in there... but thankfully I did not have to remove the complete box assembly!
BTW... My car is an early 69.... maybe they changed it somewhere along the line...
I did have to push the box into the car a little bit to get that clip and the screws back in there... but thankfully I did not have to remove the complete box assembly!
BTW... My car is an early 69.... maybe they changed it somewhere along the line...
Thanks for the info.
I am getting ready to pull my heater core. 1969 BB non Air.
At what condition should I have the core reconditioned vs replaced?
To my knowledge it has not been replaced.
I am restoring the car at this time. All items on car are in very good condition. Did not require off frame restoration. No rust. Has been setting since 1985 or even longer.
All original, matching numbers.
No history records, like build sheet.
Thanks
Max