Changing heater core

[RBeckman]

Anyone ever change a heater core on a 69, I don't even know where to start...in my 36 years of driving and working on cars I've never had to change one. Thanks for any input.

[Hank70SS]

I thought you were installing a 5-speed, short attention span? I've changed heater cores but not on a Chevelle. Guess I would take the bolts loose that hold the inner and outer heater boxes to the firewall. Remove the inner, outer is caulked to the firewall, and see what you have.

[shadowgray396]

Your inside heater box will have 5 studs that that goes through the firewall and the nuts will have to be taken off. You will have to take the the heater control cables off also to get the inner box away from the firewall. Don't forget to take off the heater hoses. Here's a picture what the box looks like inside. Hank is correct the outer box will stay in place because it is chaulk to the firewall. Its not to hard to do, but can be a pain to get it out.
Ray

[RBeckman]

Originally Posted by Hank70SS

I thought you were installing a 5-speed, short attention span? I've changed heater cores but not on a Chevelle. Guess I would take the bolts loose that hold the inner and outer heater boxes to the firewall. Remove the inner, outer is caulked to the firewall, and see what you have.

Hank, you are correct...I'm also have to replace a wheel stud in the back as well. Why in the hell did I wait till now to start all this stuff is the real question. I ordered the drive shaft today, and they said it will take two weeks to get to me, I'm planning on everything done by the first of June.

Originally Posted by shadowgray396

Your inside heater box will have 5 studs that that goes through the firewall and the nuts will have to be taken off. You will have to take the the heater control cables off also to get the inner box away from the firewall. Don't forget to take off the heater hoses. Here's a picture what the box looks like inside. Hank is correct the outer box will stay in place because it is chaulk to the firewall. Its not to hard to do, but can be a pain to get it out.
Ray

Thanks Ray, someone told me I had to do it from the engine bay and I was wondering since I have the carpet out I'd rather do it from the inside if I could.

Overall, what was I thinking...life is to short, my common sense is telling me to sell it and buy a new Camaro SS and just drive it, but then it would not be any fun at Car shows.

[RBeckman]

Here is the mess I have right now...I know I'd rather pull the motor that pull the heater core as this has become the biggest pain in ass. I found that at one time or another something (mouse) was living in the heater box and had a lot of garbage blocking the main door. Now wonder it was always blowing heat thru the vents when it was off. Now if I will be remember on it goes back together when I get the new parts.

Note, as you can see in the bell housing I still have the dial indicator is still in, I have to find a different tip (I'm hoping we have at work that will do what I need)

[dbradley]

I feel your pain............



And, it does get better.........