Heator Core Replacement
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: lodi nj
Heator Core Replacement
Hi,
My heator core on a 90 vette needs to be replaced. Does anyone know what the assembly is.... do i need to take apart the dash to replace it? Any input would be most helpful
My heator core on a 90 vette needs to be replaced. Does anyone know what the assembly is.... do i need to take apart the dash to replace it? Any input would be most helpful
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 208
Likes: 1
From: Santa Rosa CA
There are several detail threads on changing the heater core on the forum. The core is located in the heater box, in the dash, passenger side. Apparently it is part #1 down the assembly line and the vehicle is built around it. There is a split of opinion on removing the dash; I did my ’89 lying on the passenger floor looking up without removing the dash. If I were to do it again, I would remove the passenger seat to be a little more comfortable. Time consuming because of limited access but very doable for most amateur mechanics.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 2
From: Doylestown PA
A set of swivel sockets (NOT universal joints) will make the job easier.
Good luck, I did mine in about 6 hours. Like many have said before, the heater core was installed first then they built the whole Corvette around it!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Perth W.A
Hi i have a 90 vette and my core has gone aswell!
i have taken out my pass seat due to it needing fixing anyway! so yes it it easier to lay on your back, but i found it very hard, as your shoulders are squashed into the footwell and then getting your arms to go up under the dash is nearly impossible!, let alone to undo tiny bolts.
i undid pretty much all the wiring connectors, just to get better access and views!
i am thinking some of the air ducts have to come out! but i don't see how as there is just no room to get to them! and with the ducts in the way i can't pull the heater box cover out! its so awkward to do anything as only one hand can really get in there and even then there is no leverage room!
i gave up for the time being and just bypassed the core for now!
Good Luck!
i have taken out my pass seat due to it needing fixing anyway! so yes it it easier to lay on your back, but i found it very hard, as your shoulders are squashed into the footwell and then getting your arms to go up under the dash is nearly impossible!, let alone to undo tiny bolts.
i undid pretty much all the wiring connectors, just to get better access and views!
i am thinking some of the air ducts have to come out! but i don't see how as there is just no room to get to them! and with the ducts in the way i can't pull the heater box cover out! its so awkward to do anything as only one hand can really get in there and even then there is no leverage room!
i gave up for the time being and just bypassed the core for now!
Good Luck!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 2
From: Deep inside GM
The dash cover needs to come off and the passenger side knee bolster needs to be removed and then a bunch of other stuff on the passenger side.
A set of swivel sockets (NOT universal joints) will make the job easier.
Good luck, I did mine in about 6 hours. Like many have said before, the heater core was installed first then they built the whole Corvette around it!
A set of swivel sockets (NOT universal joints) will make the job easier.
Good luck, I did mine in about 6 hours. Like many have said before, the heater core was installed first then they built the whole Corvette around it!
You can not compare an 84-89 car to a 90+
The upper dash pad comes out fairly easy. Just removing all the necessary trim pieces is what is time consuming. Then snaking tools in and around the heater core box to remove the cover.
It is a time consuming job. Make sure you have plenty of room to lay out all the parts and label the screws for what they go into.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 763
Likes: 2
From: Weston FL
I'm dreading having to replace mine. I just moved from Weston, FL to Maryland and my heater core is no good.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I had to replace the heater core on my 94 right after I bought it. Not only did the heater not work correctly, water would come in on the floor board of the passenger side of the car. I assume this was from running the A/C, not sure... Expensive fix!!
