heater core replacement - 1977 vette
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2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Greensboro NC
heater core replacement - 1977 vette
The heater core access of 77 vette with A/C is from inside or outside?
The previews owner has bypassed it, is there any way that I could check for leakages without opening my heater box?
If someone have a good tip, please let me know...
BR/Sandro.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Norcross GA
Re: heater core replacement - 1977 vette (sandro.ramos)
I understand access to be determined by whether or not you have a/c. If you have a/c, then it is from the inside and is a PITA.
A lot of these cores are bypassed, does this mean two valves, the hoses connected together, simply to keep the heat out of the box. If it were me, I would check the functinality very carefully to see if this is the case. Pull your carpet back, attach the hoses or open the valves and see what happens.
[Modified by Bobchad, 12:34 PM 8/25/2003]
A lot of these cores are bypassed, does this mean two valves, the hoses connected together, simply to keep the heat out of the box. If it were me, I would check the functinality very carefully to see if this is the case. Pull your carpet back, attach the hoses or open the valves and see what happens.
[Modified by Bobchad, 12:34 PM 8/25/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Central KY
Re: heater core replacement - 1977 vette (sandro.ramos)
The factory manual on my 1973 says it is indeed an "inside job" for my car (I have factory a/c). If you have factory a/c then I would think yours would be the same.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
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Re: heater core replacement - 1977 vette (sandro.ramos)
Welcome to the Forum!
edited to answer your question :rolleyes: -- I suppose that a shop could hook some air linies & pressure gauge up to it to test it. Maybe you're lucky and the previous owner bypassed it to reduce cabin heat. Good Luck.
I did a HC replacement a few years ago (so the pain has subsided some).
It's not a terribly difficult job, but very time consuming. I spent the better part of a weekend doing mine.
There are good posts (search the archives) and on-line how-to's.
I think the best thing I did to make the job easier was to emove the passenger seat for easier access.
Be careful with the center console "circuit board"; it's old and fragile. Also, it helps to have plenty of room to keep parts organized; you have a lot of ducting to remove before you can get to the HC.
Oh and finally, if I remember correctly, there are four bolts holding the heater box on. I believe one (the top left, looking from inside the car) is accessed on the engine side of the firewall.
I also did a heat barrier installation, replaced all of the duct felts/seals/etc., and installed new HC hoses as "while-I was-at-its".
A good tip others have provided is to have the new HC pressure tested before installation. Yes, it's new, but it's good peace-of-mind insurance that you may not have to do the job again too soon.
[Modified by jerryp58, 12:14 PM 8/25/2003]
edited to answer your question :rolleyes: -- I suppose that a shop could hook some air linies & pressure gauge up to it to test it. Maybe you're lucky and the previous owner bypassed it to reduce cabin heat. Good Luck.
I did a HC replacement a few years ago (so the pain has subsided some).
It's not a terribly difficult job, but very time consuming. I spent the better part of a weekend doing mine.
There are good posts (search the archives) and on-line how-to's.
I think the best thing I did to make the job easier was to emove the passenger seat for easier access.
Be careful with the center console "circuit board"; it's old and fragile. Also, it helps to have plenty of room to keep parts organized; you have a lot of ducting to remove before you can get to the HC.
Oh and finally, if I remember correctly, there are four bolts holding the heater box on. I believe one (the top left, looking from inside the car) is accessed on the engine side of the firewall.
I also did a heat barrier installation, replaced all of the duct felts/seals/etc., and installed new HC hoses as "while-I was-at-its".
A good tip others have provided is to have the new HC pressure tested before installation. Yes, it's new, but it's good peace-of-mind insurance that you may not have to do the job again too soon.
[Modified by jerryp58, 12:14 PM 8/25/2003]
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Re: heater core replacement - 1977 vette (jerryp58)
Here is a link to a replacement on a 70 model, it will be similar to your 77,
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/juli...tCore_orig.htm
Another tip is to attach your new heater hoses to the core piping and slip them through the firewall from the inside. The hose clamps are very hard to get to if you try to put them on after the heater core is already in place. Just to repeat "Get the new core pressure tested" before you put it in!" I know of at least 3 people that have done the job only to find the new core leaked right out of the box.
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/juli...tCore_orig.htm
Another tip is to attach your new heater hoses to the core piping and slip them through the firewall from the inside. The hose clamps are very hard to get to if you try to put them on after the heater core is already in place. Just to repeat "Get the new core pressure tested" before you put it in!" I know of at least 3 people that have done the job only to find the new core leaked right out of the box.
