I have read several posts some replacing heater cores from engine side and some from the interior on a non - ac car. I'm considering doing this from the inside on my 79. Do I have to remove the center console and the front dash or can I get away without removal of either.

 

Had to remove center console and p-dash on my '74. Don't see how u could remove it from engine side. Becareful as you take out the old vent ductwork not to break it. Good time to replace heater box seals too. Found mine had none. Bubba left'm out from previous work and hot engine comp air was mixing right in with the vent/AC air into the p-comp. Used plastic repair and washers to repair broken plastic ears on htr box (for the holding screws). Remember to adjust diverter control cable before covering it up - easy to do with center console control - just need to verify or adjust until full shut when required.
Hope this can help. cardo0

 

The dash and controls changed in 78 so there are some differences between you 79 and earlier years (68-77). You'll find it helpful to get the passenger seat out of the way and pull your carpet back in case of leaks. From there its removeal of console and cash console. As pointed out, ductwork is next and I would suggest getting baggies and label each, put screws from each dis-assemble into them and put aside. You'll also have to take the glove box out and loosen the passenger side dash pad...you may be able to work it without removeal...just loosen.

You may also want to make note before removing stuff if your climate control system works properly because once you remove ductwork and stuff, you can troubleshoot plenum doors and vacuum lines that lead to them and back to the controls. As you remove, pay careful attention on what goes where...they might be color coordinated but I don't recall.

 

You are really creating a lot of work for yourself by trying that job from the interior. In the 17 years I owned my non-A/C 1979 I did the replacement twice from the engine/firewall side. It takes about an hour. I do recommend that you get a Delco/GM replacement. What you get at places such as Canadian Tire are generally one-size-fits-all "Chevrolet" units. Some fit through the firewall, others will not.

 

Why bother with a heater core. Just remove the silly heater hoses and remove the nibs from the engine and plug. The engine bay will look cleaner and you will never have to worry abought heater core leaks.

 

Okay I can see that '79 htr core is in a entirely different location than on my '74. I also see a non-AC shark has some nice advantages and I would really like to own a convert thats non-AC. But at least now Mr. Bullet you have the right info to make the job easier. Good luck. cardo0

 

Do 79 non-AC cars have heater box seals? where are they? what do they look like?
Paul do you use a sharp blade to cut the seal from the engine side? and what did you use to reseal it? Keep in mind this is the original heater core in the car.
Thanks for you help!

 

In a shark you get plenty of heat through the footwells. Besides, the coolant in an unused heater core becomes corrosive due to stagnation and any air entrapment. Corrosion leads to leaks, leaks to messy passenger carpets, messy carpets lead to angry owners - this is the way of the dark side.

 

i alos have a 79 but it has AC, is there much of a difference in the way it is setup from a non-AC 79? any pics?

 

i also have a 79 but i got AC *compressor not currently installed* is there any difference in the dis-assembly and install, anyone have any pics?

 

A/C cars and non-A/C cars are two completly different animals. You can remove the heater core from the engine compartment side for a non-A/C car but for an A/C car it has to come out through the passanger compartment.

tom...

 

Evil Grim,
The A/C heater core configuration and installation is shown here....

http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/juli...tCore_orig.htm

 

79 Bullet,
The only seal I ran into was around the snouts.



For the fan/blower housing I just cleaned off the old goop and used black silicone sealant.



This is the almost finished product. I replaced the heater hoses and ring clamps. The hose bracket on the fan housing was on order when the pics were taken and it was eventually replaced as well.

 

Wish I could, but there are some cools nights and mornings up here and definately need heat on occasion.....

 

Thanks for the replys. I ordered the GM Core today should be in tommorow. I'll take pic's along the way to help other's in the future.

 

quite correct

 

79 Bullet, I'd be interested in your pics and any advice as I need to do mine too, 73/non air car. You can e-mail if you like to mjagminas@rogers.com

PS: how much was the GM core?

mjager

 

I took mine out from the engine side of my 75. It was kinda hard to get the new core in , but with a hammer and a little frustration it went in.

I looked at what it would have taken to do it from the passenger compartment and decided that I didn't want to take a week to do it. From the engine side it took an hour.

Not having AC sucks, but yet its pretty cool too.

 

mjager, the p/n is 52484059 and I haven't paid yet. I pick it up tomorow list is $135 the Dealer said he would give it to me for $100. Garage price is $117.00
Flood, why did you have a hard time getting it in. From Paul's pics and the cover out of the way it looks like easy sailing?

 

Finally had a day to finish off my heater core. It turned out to be a "fun job" on a scale of 1-10 for difficulty it was 3. So for all of you putting it off that don't have a/c wait no more do it. It's not that hard. I'm goin to include some pics on how I did it.
First removed engine side cover there were six 7/16" nuts.
next removed clip shown below with needle nose pliers.
[IMG][/IMG]
I then used the claw of a hammer to remove the heater core as Paul shows earlier.
then remove two bolts to remove clip from tube side of heater core
[IMG][/IMG]
Go to the inside of the car and remove both seats,side covers,glove box, vent tube under glove box that is connected with one wing nut, center console and gauge cluster. This should not take more than 30 minutes.It will look like this
[IMG][/IMG]
The above step sounds difficlut but is very easy. If you do a search there is a post with detailed instructions. This then allows you easy access to the heater core once you push back the heater box
[IMG][/IMG]
put new heater core in from engine side. Put on two clips. I bought some dum dum which is a putty that GM used at the factory that is available at most parts stores it comes in ribbons that you apply very easily as a matter of fact my 7 year old did this in the morning.
and then re-assemble.
Don't forget to test for leaks before you put everything back together.
Following is an additional photo of the seal that fits around the neck of the heater core.[IMG][/IMG]
A few notes I did not have to disconnect and vacuum lines or cables.
The replacement GM core was 3/16" taller than the original.