71 heater core replacement
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 142
Likes: 10
From: Readfield, Maine
71 heater core replacement
Does anyone have a good source on the steps to replace a 71 heater core (non-ac)? I know how to remove the dash, gauge cluster, kick panels, hoses. Not sure if there are 3 or 4 retaining nuts on firewall. Anything you have
will be help full. Thank you
will be help full. Thank you
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
May I suggest you pick up a GM service/shop manual for your year Vette. This will be a big help to you in repairs and if you take care of it, no grease, finger prints, etc., you'll probably get your money back when you sell it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,223
Likes: 666
From: Northeast
I did it on my 78 non ac and took about an hour because I went slowly. A few nuts, two clamps
Turn up the volume
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2su2vm
Turn up the volume
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2su2vm
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 297
From: Midlothian VA
So that video doesn't show it:
After you remove the blower/core cover you should find that the heater core is held in place with 2 brackets.
On the passenger side of the core should be a full length bracket with a small bolt at the top and bottom of the core (can be difficult to see).
On the driver's side you should find a small bracket holding the inlet/outlet pipes firmly in place. In the center of that bracket should also be a bolt.
Again, not obvious because the bracket/bolt are usually obscured by the foam insulation around the pipes.
When you reinstall the blower cover you'll see that there is a gasket material running around the perimeter of the cover.
This is easily replaced using rope caulk/cord available at any big box building products store (<$5.00 for WAY more than you'll need).
After you remove the blower/core cover you should find that the heater core is held in place with 2 brackets.
On the passenger side of the core should be a full length bracket with a small bolt at the top and bottom of the core (can be difficult to see).
On the driver's side you should find a small bracket holding the inlet/outlet pipes firmly in place. In the center of that bracket should also be a bolt.
Again, not obvious because the bracket/bolt are usually obscured by the foam insulation around the pipes.
When you reinstall the blower cover you'll see that there is a gasket material running around the perimeter of the cover.
This is easily replaced using rope caulk/cord available at any big box building products store (<$5.00 for WAY more than you'll need).
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,748
Likes: 1,642
From: Fairfax Virginia
On my Non-AC 1968 Corvette you don't have to do anything to the dashboard as it comes out from the engine side. It is very easy to get to and remove, even with long tube headers. The ones used on the older Corvettes are made out of copper so I would take to a radiator shop and get it soldered up for you unless you have some silver solder, a good torch and a wee bit of experience silver soldering. The replacements are probably not as good as the original was in this day and age.
My daughter's 2011 Camaro required them to pull the windshield to replace the heater core at 37,000 miles and 6 years of age. Working on your Corvette without the AC should be an easy project compared to most cars.
Hammerhead Fred has you covered in his suggestions regarding the rope style caulk and the mention of having a factory service manual is never a bad idea, even if it does cover several car models. I keep a service manual and the AIM in the garage and another set inside for my reading with clean hands.
My daughter's 2011 Camaro required them to pull the windshield to replace the heater core at 37,000 miles and 6 years of age. Working on your Corvette without the AC should be an easy project compared to most cars.
Hammerhead Fred has you covered in his suggestions regarding the rope style caulk and the mention of having a factory service manual is never a bad idea, even if it does cover several car models. I keep a service manual and the AIM in the garage and another set inside for my reading with clean hands.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 142
Likes: 10
From: Readfield, Maine
I have the service manual. What happened this morning was supposed to be a quick overflow hose and clamp replacement turned out to be one of the copper nozzles disintegrated as i pulled the hose off. This car sat for
35yrs in a garage and had to go thru most all the cooling system except the core, which i had bought a few months back. I knew it was going to be a royal pain to replace. Well it finally caught up with me!!!
35yrs in a garage and had to go thru most all the cooling system except the core, which i had bought a few months back. I knew it was going to be a royal pain to replace. Well it finally caught up with me!!!
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