heater core
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Tucumcari N.M.
heater core
I was wondering if anybody has changed the heater core. My 92 has started leaking and was looking for some tips on changing it. I have started taking stuff apart under the dash but have stalled out. Almost there but can't quite get to it yet. I would appreciate any tips.
Thanks, Dave.
Thanks, Dave.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 190
From: Custer, WI
One thing I learned when I did mine was, if you're frustrated - Walk away. I always break stuff when I get pissed off. And on the Vette its usually worth twice as much as it should be. I probably walked away from my car 10 times when I did the heater core lol.
Did you pull the seat? Are you going to do it from the bottom or the top and tear apart the entire dashboard
Did you pull the seat? Are you going to do it from the bottom or the top and tear apart the entire dashboard
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Tucumcari N.M.
I do have the seat out. I'm not sure how to get the dash pad out so I was going to do it from the bottom. I have quite a bit of the dash apart but can't get the pad off. I have got to the core box but can't get it out yet. I have walked away also for the same reason you mentioned.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 190
From: Custer, WI
There is a method to doing it called "the fastguy method" if you do a search, it should come up. It does not require stripping the dash, but since you already started, it may make it easier.
I used this method on my car, but mine is an early C4 and i know they are different, but I am not sure what the differences are.
I used this method on my car, but mine is an early C4 and i know they are different, but I am not sure what the differences are.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,041
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From: EOF ★ Kaliforniastan ★
St. Jude Donor '10
There is a method to doing it called "the fastguy method" if you do a search, it should come up. It does not require stripping the dash, but since you already started, it may make it easier.
I used this method on my car, but mine is an early C4 and i know they are different, but I am not sure what the differences are.
I used this method on my car, but mine is an early C4 and i know they are different, but I am not sure what the differences are.
Here it is, and yes it can be done this way in 4-5 hours. Of course I fit under under there, if you're a big guy this may prove a little more challenging.
Almost forgot, you might want to pre-buy the little plastic clips that hold the heater door control rod, these will be very brittle and you'll probably break them trying to get them off.
Here's to the author
FASTGUY
Whoever wrote that huge "pull the dash out" article was a friggin' crackhead.
You don't pull the dash, instead, pull the passenger seat.
Pull the hush panel, drop the ECM and the door control module.
Remove the support bar going from the door pillar to the dash.
Use a 7mm to take the cover off the heater box.
Pull the cover, unbolt the core, re-install.
Drink beer and laugh at webpage showing guys pulling dash.
Just did it on my '89 2 weeks ago. I removed the diagonal brace. There are 5 screws on the plastic cover for the core - 2 top, three bottom/sides. There are 3 screws retaining the core itself - 1 top middle & 2 bottom. As said, watch the position of the rod on the motor that opens/closes the door (if you have electronic controls). BTW, I also took out the pad in addition to the lower access panel - 4 nuts & much more room if you have full size American arms & hands. I got the upper screws restarted by placing a bit of tape on them & wedging them into my 7mm socket. It helps to have 1/4" drive flex adapters and every extension length they don't make Total time for me was about 5 hours for the heater core in-and-out. Plus a couple of hours to fix the broken dash frame and to eliminate the breadbox - not necessary, but seems to add a lot of "room" inside & looks way better One more thing - since you're there inspect all wires & the orange vacuum line. I found two damaged wires & a missing heat shield on the courtesy lamp. My new heat shield is two thicknesses of Bud can
Almost forgot, you might want to pre-buy the little plastic clips that hold the heater door control rod, these will be very brittle and you'll probably break them trying to get them off.
Here's to the author
FASTGUY
Whoever wrote that huge "pull the dash out" article was a friggin' crackhead.
You don't pull the dash, instead, pull the passenger seat.
Pull the hush panel, drop the ECM and the door control module.
Remove the support bar going from the door pillar to the dash.
Use a 7mm to take the cover off the heater box.
Pull the cover, unbolt the core, re-install.
Drink beer and laugh at webpage showing guys pulling dash.
Just did it on my '89 2 weeks ago. I removed the diagonal brace. There are 5 screws on the plastic cover for the core - 2 top, three bottom/sides. There are 3 screws retaining the core itself - 1 top middle & 2 bottom. As said, watch the position of the rod on the motor that opens/closes the door (if you have electronic controls). BTW, I also took out the pad in addition to the lower access panel - 4 nuts & much more room if you have full size American arms & hands. I got the upper screws restarted by placing a bit of tape on them & wedging them into my 7mm socket. It helps to have 1/4" drive flex adapters and every extension length they don't make Total time for me was about 5 hours for the heater core in-and-out. Plus a couple of hours to fix the broken dash frame and to eliminate the breadbox - not necessary, but seems to add a lot of "room" inside & looks way better One more thing - since you're there inspect all wires & the orange vacuum line. I found two damaged wires & a missing heat shield on the courtesy lamp. My new heat shield is two thicknesses of Bud can
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,933
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From: Peoria Arizona.. Resident Gold Cylon
There is no fast guy metrhod for a 90-96 C4. You need to pull the top of the dash off to get to it. Lower both Hush panels, Drop the steering wheel and pull the Instrument panel and radio surround. Then you can get at the bolts that holds the top of the dash.
Last edited by Goldcylon; Apr 29, 2010 at 07:29 PM.
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