changing the heater core

[sg01fc]

Hey all experts. where is the heater core on an 80 and what is the best way to change it? also the ac blower motor/fan. thanks

 

[dmrodco]

On my 75 ( similar ) I had to remove the pass side dash then un olt the outer box bolts and core hoses then the innner box came out. not fun but easier than my 87 vette

 

[sg01fc]

man, that sounds like a real pita

 

[crause]

Don't lose your mind over this, it is a tough job but if you are limber enough you can do it. I had bruises on my ribs from leaning in the pass. door. The first thing you need to do is find a good cushion to put on the ground outside the pass. door so that you can kneel on it. Some people said to take out the pass. seat but that sounded like more work. You will need to take out the pass. side dash pad (the thing with the pockets) and all the bracing and air ducts. I had to take out the center console and instument panel. you will need to slide back the e-brake housing.
once all of this is out you should be able to see three nuts holding the box in from the inside. The one that stumped me was the one that you access from under the hood. there is a stud that comes through the firewall (top drivers side of box) with a nut on it. then just work it out. Remember how you take the box apart to get to the core and clean it all up and put it back together the same way. I was able to get a brand new core at O'reilly's for around $40.00 and they had it in stock. It was an exact match.
also, don't forget to take off the heater hoses from the bottom of the car because it will not come out unless you do. The core is installed inside the box you are taking off.

Good luck, just take your time and you will save yourself a bunch of money.

Andy

 

[sg01fc]

Thanks Andy. I was going to try the change tomorrow, but work calls so it'll probably be next week before i get to try. Thanks for the directions. Hopefully it'll make the job easier.
Andy

 

[ChuckG]

For peace of mind, it wouldn't hurt to have your new core pressure tested. It's not unheard of to have a NEW leaky core out of the box. Chuck

 

[crause]

If you get stuck post here and we will try and walk you through it.

Andy

 

[Tom73]

I had always heard that when building the C3 that Chevy would lay a heater core on the assembly line and then build the car around the heater core.

 

[82ColEd]

What a coincidence, i wanted to ask the same question for my 82. My tech circumvented my heater core, and i was always pondering A) Where is that thing? and B) How to i actually test it, and/or replace it.. Sounds like a Winter job to do.. The price though, i was quoted, was more like $700 for parts and labor..

 

[crause]

The price sounds about right because the shop will charge you about $175 for the core and the rest is labor. It does take a long time to do but if you just work until you are tired or too frustrated to continue, you can finish in your own time.

Andy