heater core
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: SAN DIEGO CA
heater core
Did i read my manual correctly when it said to remove the instrument panel assembly to replace the heater core? That means pretty much taking the whole dash apart right? Hopefully im wrong. If so, does anyone have an easier way of doing it? I drive an 86
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
In Process
I am in the process of changing mine in a 85. WHAT A BEAR! I still have one screw to take out on the top of the box. Very hard to get to.
How did you make out with yours???
Bill
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: SAN DIEGO CA
Heater core
it was a real nasty job replacing my heater core. It was my first time so i learned by posting on this site and alot of trial and error. I believe i got the top left screw out by removing the dash pad. Then i used a small 1/4 inch rach. with a wobbler to remove that hard screw to get out. its a pain but well worth it since we had a cold spell here in sunny san diego. im glad i did it. I did find a burnt wire when i was removing the heater core so i decided to rip the entire dash apart. Be careful in removing the plactic pieces because they break easy. I have to replace alot of the pieces that i took off because of age and handling it too rough. I also replaced all the bulbs on the cluster (which i got for 2bucks and change online) and behind the info panel.
i have some pictures of the dash torn apart so email me and ill send you some pictures if you need them.
i have some pictures of the dash torn apart so email me and ill send you some pictures if you need them.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 12,182
Likes: 1
From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey
No sh*t! 
Changing the heater core is the most difficult and time consuming job I've ever done on my '86. I finished this task in, oh 5 hours, with badly scrapped knuckles/forearms, lot's of cursing, 3 loose screws with no homes, and a couple of cracked mounting spots. Seriously, wow.
Changing the heater core is the most difficult and time consuming job I've ever done on my '86. I finished this task in, oh 5 hours, with badly scrapped knuckles/forearms, lot's of cursing, 3 loose screws with no homes, and a couple of cracked mounting spots. Seriously, wow.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 125
From: Birmingham AL
It would be a good time to remove the breadloaf permanently if you've considered installing the flat panel. The breadloaf is one of the biggest obstacles and is a biznitch to remove and probably worse to install. If you remove that, the passenger seat, the dash pad, the lower plastic panel, the lower carpet panel, some air ducting, and the computer, then you should be able to see the heater core housing. And if you have several double jointed elbows on each arm along with bendable bones, then it should be no problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
No sh*t! Changing the heater core is the most difficult and time consuming job I've ever done on my '86. I finished this task in, oh 5 hours, with badly scrapped knuckles/forearms, lot's of cursing, 3 loose screws with no homes, and a couple of cracked mounting spots. Seriously, wow.
Changing the heater core is the most difficult and time consuming job I've ever done on my '86. I finished this task in, oh 5 hours, with badly scrapped knuckles/forearms, lot's of cursing, 3 loose screws with no homes, and a couple of cracked mounting spots. Seriously, wow.
It took me 9 days, a week with two weekend, given that I only work for 15 min. and go lay down for 2 hrs every time I craw under the dash
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 26,598
Likes: 0
From: Hampton, VA Yea, i'm a redneck... but you love it
Cruise-In 8-9 Veteran
aka/Trunk Monkey/Banned For Life/Corvette For Life
i havr gone into my dash several times and could proball get it all off i under an hour... then i just have to find the heater core and replace it. im not looking forward to it
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
From: Pueblo Colorado
I remember a really good step x step thread on this from last fall but can not find it now... Any-one have that link?
Also wonering if it is still possible to get a new dash frame? Where would be my best chance? Mine has too many cracks and a couple of missing chunks and out-side edges are all gouged up.
Thank-you All.
Also wonering if it is still possible to get a new dash frame? Where would be my best chance? Mine has too many cracks and a couple of missing chunks and out-side edges are all gouged up.
Thank-you All.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 95
Likes: 1
From: Davenport FL
I hate to take out the dash, but I have done it a number of times chasing shorts. It is a pain in the buttocks for sure, but its something that gets better each time. You might try to get to it by taking out the glove box first then you can see what you are doing to the fire wall.
This was the first year I had a working heater in my 81 in a very long time. It was kinda nice not freezing to death on the way to work. Also the defroser works again, another important thing. You will hate the job, but sooner or later you will be able to enjoy the warmth again. That will make it worth it.
I bought my new heater core off eBay for I think $49, BTW.
www.mycarframes.com
This was the first year I had a working heater in my 81 in a very long time. It was kinda nice not freezing to death on the way to work. Also the defroser works again, another important thing. You will hate the job, but sooner or later you will be able to enjoy the warmth again. That will make it worth it.
I bought my new heater core off eBay for I think $49, BTW.
www.mycarframes.com
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
don't know the location here, but there was a couple of great tech posts on HC replacements.... if you haven't searched, try,,, you'll probably find some great info...
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,293
Likes: 240
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 88,393
Likes: 2
From: eville in
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
From: Pueblo Colorado
Great job Agent86, but you seem to have forget 2 very usefull tools for this and the prerequisit helper???
1 gallon high octane aviation fuel, about $3
1 Zippo lighter, about $15
1 great and understanding insurance agent, PRICELESS!
But in all seriousness you forgot the box of bandaides, and the Alleeve.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
I did mine in my 85 in two days, a few hours each day. The very best advice I can give you is to take the passenger seat out so you can lay on the floor, makes life a lot easier.
There is no need to come anywhere near the instrument panel. I did mine completely from underneath the dash. I will admit to taking the top of the dash off to see if I could access the top screws better but it was a waste of time.
Keep the bandaids close by.
There is no need to come anywhere near the instrument panel. I did mine completely from underneath the dash. I will admit to taking the top of the dash off to see if I could access the top screws better but it was a waste of time.
Keep the bandaids close by.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Port Angeles WA
I’m working up the nerve to tackle the failed heater core in my 92. Can anyone tell me if there is much difference in the procedure for replacing the heater core in the years 85-92 or are all C4’s basically the same? Thanks
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
From: Pueblo Colorado
I honestly can't remember if the 90ups had the same kind of underdash access??? If yours seems to have enough removable panels under there then it is basicly the same duct work and housing...just no ecm in the way and less wires. But that brace may be tighter to get to?