How hard is it to replace a heater core in an L98 'Vette and what tools do i need?

 

If you do a search you will find two different methods of replacing it.

1. Take your dash apart to get to it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...placement.html

2. Lay on your back and get to it that way.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1569252027-post4.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ater-core.html

Either way sounds like a pain in the keester.

I have a pdf of taking the dash apart that is different than the one in the first thread I found. Send me a PM with your email address and I will send it to you if you want it.

Kevin

 

On the bright side, your 86 is easier then the 90-96 models...WW



Fastguy Method

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

 

You have to pull the dash on the MY 90-96 C4. There is no fast guy method for these model years

This job is a PITA I believe the Heater core is part #000000000001 and then they built the rest of the C4 around it. Pre 90 your best advise is to pull the passenger seat and use the "Fast guy" method.

 

I've done the job once on my 92. I'd rather stick my arms out straight to each side and run like hell through a door than do it again.

 

When they built the 95 Vettes they hung a heater core by a string from the ceiling. They assembled the car around the core and after they put the wheels on it they rolled it away and cut the string. You must disassemble everything to get to it. I'm one of the big guys.

Vettes are a bit strange. When I tell people that I had to remove the rocker panel to change the battery they think I'm either lying or crazy.

 

But that takes what, 10 minutes and a 10mm wrench? Although the battery is "hidden" it's still easy to get to. Some cars these days are insane. At least you can SEE the battery! The C4 has it's quirks but in reality I'd rather work on one of them than nearly anything new. I should not have to remove an engine to get to a routine maintenance item like a belt or a battery!

 

Would this project be better/easier accomplished when the engine is removed?

 

The bulk of the problems I had were inside the car.

 

Maybe if you lowered your arms it would be easier to get through the door?