Heater core advice
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Joined: Jan 2013
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Heater core advice
So my heater core needs replacing in my 72 non-air car. I wanted to ask which manufacturer you have had good luck with. I plan to have any purchase pressure tested and any additional soldering also done at same time.
I'm also going to take this task on myself. Does anyone have a step by step for remove/replace. I think I'm going to replace all the heater box seals while I have it apart.
Thanks
I'm also going to take this task on myself. Does anyone have a step by step for remove/replace. I think I'm going to replace all the heater box seals while I have it apart.
Thanks
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 493
Likes: 65
So my heater core needs replacing in my 72 non-air car. I wanted to ask which manufacturer you have had good luck with. I plan to have any purchase pressure tested and any additional soldering also done at same time.
I'm also going to take this task on myself. Does anyone have a step by step for remove/replace. I think I'm going to replace all the heater box seals while I have it apart.
Thanks
I'm also going to take this task on myself. Does anyone have a step by step for remove/replace. I think I'm going to replace all the heater box seals while I have it apart.
Thanks
Wherever I got it, I'm pretty sure it was a Harrison, just like stock
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 929
Likes: 5
From: Marietta GA
It's actually a pretty straightforward job, just a pain in the neck to get to everything. I have 68 big block no a/c, so it's similar. You'll need to drain the antifreeze down some and remove the 2 hoses from the heater core inside the engine compartment. In the passenger compartment, remove the right side dash pad, which will give you access to the heater plenum. Disconnect the heater cables and remove the nuts/bolts holding the plenum to the firewall. The heater core will come out with the plenum. There is a bracket inside the plenum securing the heater core which is easily removed. Once removed you can go back into the engine compartment and remove the heater core housing which extends to the heater fan on the right side of the car. Once removed you can clean it up and re-seal and re-install it. Installation of the heater core is the reverse of removal. Good luck!
- Mike
- Mike
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 929
Likes: 5
From: Marietta GA
Not sure about getting to everything under the hood. In theory I guess it could be done, but there's not enough room to remove everything with the engine in the car. Maybe it's different on a small block. Not sure. I've always done it from inside the car. I have a service manual, so I'll check it and see what it says.
Last edited by BB68Vett; Aug 11, 2016 at 07:52 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,682
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From: Danville Illinois
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Got my replacement core at O'reillys, it was a Mexican unit, The other core would be the China unit.
When you get your new core in the cradle pressure test it before going in the car. Local radiator repair place, no charge for testing.
My 75 with air, all done from the inside, remove the pass seat.
When you get your new core in the cradle pressure test it before going in the car. Local radiator repair place, no charge for testing.
My 75 with air, all done from the inside, remove the pass seat.
Last edited by Mod75; Aug 11, 2016 at 08:30 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2015
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https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...placement.html
I have never replaced one, but i remembered reading this once. I have always been scared to take dash apart
I have never replaced one, but i remembered reading this once. I have always been scared to take dash apart
Last edited by Rcdizy; Aug 11, 2016 at 10:12 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,814
Likes: 469
From: Wichita Kansas
all from the inside?
Did you do all/most of the replacement work from the inside, removing the right dash panel and passenger seat? thanks
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 695
Likes: 55
From: Palm Desert California
If you google "heater core replacement '74 Corvette" there is a guy who made a video of replacing his heater core on a non A/C car and it comes out from under the hood. Can't see that there would be much difference between his big block and your small block. If I knew how to attach it to this forum I would but I do not.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 828
Likes: 2
So my heater core needs replacing in my 72 non-air car. I wanted to ask which manufacturer you have had good luck with. I plan to have any purchase pressure tested and any additional soldering also done at same time.
I'm also going to take this task on myself. Does anyone have a step by step for remove/replace. I think I'm going to replace all the heater box seals while I have it apart.
Thanks
I'm also going to take this task on myself. Does anyone have a step by step for remove/replace. I think I'm going to replace all the heater box seals while I have it apart.
Thanks
I got mine for my 77 with air on Amazon cheaper than anywhere with 2 day delivery. They also guarantee fit if you use the fitment guide. It is straight forward, just a bit uncomfortable.
I have all the manuals which made it easier. But easier than others.
Jax
77 L-82
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
I replaced the heater core in my '72 non-ac small block last year. I didn't touch anything in the interior. Did it all from the engine side and I'm 65!! If it had to be done from the interior, it would still be without a heater. It was a very simple, straightforward job that took about an hour to complete including a few rest stops. Can't bend over that fender as long as I used to. Anyway, very rewarding when it was done and now my wife can enjoy an evening ride when the weather is cooler. Right now in Buffalo, N.Y. it is 90 degrees. Too hot for me.
Duane
Duane
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 667
From: Northeast
[QUOTE=tpfarm;1592841824]If you google "heater core replacement '74 Corvette" there is a guy who made a video of replacing his heater core on a non A/C car and it comes out from under the hood. Can't see that there would be much difference between his big block and your small block. If I knew how to attach it to this forum I would but I do not.[/QUOTE
My 78 non ac was the same.
My 78 non ac was the same.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 558
Likes: 22
From: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
I've had mine out a number of times over the years, all from under the hood. On a non/ac car, there is no need to remove anything from the inside. It's a fairly easy job. One of the only ones that is. 