heater core removal
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Charlottesville Virginia
heater core removal
I am trying to replace the heater core in my 86. Does anyone have a detailed instruction in how to replace it. I need this fixed as soon as possible. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 2
From: Obama=death for America
If you're not a mechanic and not familiar with Corvettes, do not attempt this repair. It is about a 5-8 hour repair job. Maybe longer. The core is buried deep in the dash and you need to take the entire dash apart to access it. Just letting you know in case you didn't.
Moderator Emeritus
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Maryville Tn
CI 5 thru 12 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '23
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I removed and replaced mine in two nights (after work) on my '85. You don't have to take the dash apart. I removed the passenger seat and removed the core from underneath the dash. This procedure was posted by fellow corvetteforum member RonsRed88 a couple of years ago. Do a search here and it should turn up. It's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 2
From: Obama=death for America
I removed and replaced mine in two nights (after work) on my '85. You don't have to take the dash apart. I removed the passenger seat and removed the core from underneath the dash. This procedure was posted by fellow corvetteforum member RonsRed88 a couple of years ago. Do a search here and it should turn up. It's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,801
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I have the shop manual for my 85 and it looks like a nasty job to me. I'm taking the 85 to a pro and paying the $. I figure its cheaper than doing it myself, screwing something up, and then paying double to have someone fix it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Charlottesville Virginia
I am starting to lean toward the idea to have someone do it. I was hoping to do it my self, but it looks like it may be to much of hassle. Plus I don,t have a garage and it is cold outside. Thanks for your inputs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Althout a search will turn up different and shorter methods (search "Fastguy method"), here is a walk through with pics.
If you do this yourself, make sure you start the car and check for leaks before you start putting the dash back together.
You asked for it:
If you do this yourself, make sure you start the car and check for leaks before you start putting the dash back together.
You asked for it:
Last edited by 86PACER; Jan 27, 2008 at 05:04 AM.
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Moderator Emeritus
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Maryville Tn
CI 5 thru 12 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '23
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I can agree with you about someone attempting this job who doesn't have mechanical ability. The most difficult part is the limited space you have to work in.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 1
From: Denham Springs Louisiana
I did that job and it cost me well over $3000. Once I removed the passenger seat...I decided to gut the interior and replace it ALL! New seats, carpet, dash trim, gauge lens, sunvisors....and of course the heater core...not to mention 739 cuss words.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,801
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From: NJ
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 23
From: Bowling Green KY
Yeah there are some detailed instructions.
Look for the 150 page section in the factory service manual.
Many here have posed that the entire car was built around the heater core, they should have printed a manual just for this job.
Others here are right, if you don't work on your car much, let someone else do it.
Me on the other hand, I just got rid of mine entirely.
Look for the 150 page section in the factory service manual.
Many here have posed that the entire car was built around the heater core, they should have printed a manual just for this job.
Others here are right, if you don't work on your car much, let someone else do it.
Me on the other hand, I just got rid of mine entirely.
