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Heater core replacement

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Old Apr 1, 2012 | 06:06 PM
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Default Heater core replacement

I need to replace the heater core in my 80. Have shop manual but wondering if any roadblocks or shortcuts you guys have run into. I have read posts and this seems to be a royal PITA to replace. Thanks for any replies.
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Old Apr 1, 2012 | 06:32 PM
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I did mine (in my '79) when the engine was out and it was a piece of cake. I hope you can do it without pulling the engine. I'm sure someone here will be able to tell you how to do it with the engine in.
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Old Apr 1, 2012 | 09:45 PM
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My '72 is in need of a heater core, too. Been driving for 4 years without a heater, but only drive in the summer. Fortunately, I don't have A/C so I'll be taking the core out through the engine bay. I did a '67 Camaro many years ago, and vowed to never take the heater unit out of any car ever again. I hate laying on my back, upside down, & standing on my head. A total PITE. (Pain in the Everything)
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 07:42 AM
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Yes, it is a royal PITA to replace.
Engine out makes this easier. Otherwish dash comes out.

Either way, a royal PITA.
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 06:21 PM
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Pick up a gasket set and the unit comes out with taking the dash screws out just on the passenger side.Take pics as you go and lube cables and doors.
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 10:59 AM
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The PDF document on the following link was the most helpful for me when I changed out the heater core in my '78 with air conditioning about 5 years ago. Excellent photos and narrative.

http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/heatercoreremoval.pdf
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 05:32 PM
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Originally Posted by 78IndyPace
The PDF document on the following link was the most helpful for me when I changed out the heater core in my '78 with air conditioning about 5 years ago. Excellent photos and narrative.

http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/heatercoreremoval.pdf
Good pictures on this link. I am just finishing this job up on my 71 with a/c. Not a techinically challenging task but a tedious one. I have the box reinstalled and will be putting the dash back together this week along with a refurbished guage bezel and new radio. Another one of those while I am at it jobs.
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