Getting out Heater Control Unit

[Stallion]

I need to replace this, and I need to know how I'm going to get the console panel off to get at the unit. How would I get at this?

Thanks!

 

[Bob Chadwick]

TR,

If it is the same as the 77, I removed the tunnel shields (3 screws each) lower right dash pad (5 screws), the center gauge console (6 screws) and then the center console (6 screws as well). You will then need to lift the center console up gently and remove the electrical and mechanical connections to get it loose to remove the screws holding the heater controls out.

When putting it back together connect the temperature slide spring loaded wire before putting the center console back in. The space is tight and it was difficult to get the angle correct to get it back on once in place. It can be done, don't ask how I know, but it is easier if you put in place before putting the console in.

Bob

 

[Stallion]

Hmmm...I'll check for these. But I thought I would only have to take out the bottom panel. :confused

TR

 

[silver 80]

Not a slam .....
but I would spend the $100.00 or so and get the shop manual for the 78. It will tell you everything you need to know to work on your vette.
again don't take this wrong but the shop manual is very important if you are doing your own work on the vette.
tom

 

[Stallion]

I do have the Service Manuals, but I really can't find anything on taking the panels off. I'm looking, but I don't see anything on this. I'll keep looking, maybe I'm looking in wrong place? :confused

 

[Stallion]

Yes, I can't find anything about the interior in the Service Manuals or have anything to do with the console. :confused

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Hmmm...I'll check for these. But I thought I would only have to take out the bottom panel. :confused

TR

TR,

What do you mean by borrom panel; the tunnel side cover. You will be able to see the heater unit but will have extremely tight spaces to work. I don't think you will be able to change the unit out without removing the center console. On mine the screws that holds the unit to the center console are up under there and I don't think you will be able to access them. Throw in the fact that the radio in my car is in the center console and sat partially over all of this stuff will require that to be removed. You can do this without removing the right side lower dash pad but that is only 5 screws, opens everything up and gives you a lot more room.

When I replaced my heater control I also got a new cable that hooks to the heater area behind the duct work. That can't be replaced without taking out the lower dash pad.

The radio was my first project and it was fairly easy to do.

Bob

 

[silver 80]

I replaced mine in the winter, and if I remember right you .
pull knobs off of radio remove nuts on radio shaft.
remove screws on cluster console.
unscrew shifter detent and ball.
remove side panels.
remove screws that hold center console to frame (under the console)
two more screws that attach the gauge cluster to center console. CAUTION you can not remove the gauge cluster with out removing the two screw first.
if you have electric windows carefully pry the conector off of the back of the switch.
remove center console.
I think you will have acess to the heater contol unit screws / bolts, get a 1/4 inch rachet and the right size socket.
carefully pull the gauge cluster away from dash(wiring harness still attached to circuit board if that's what you want to call it. remove the plug in on the back of the circuit board carefull its very fargile the board copper connector.

If you want I'll get my shop manual and look for the way they say to do this job. The AIM is a good tool also.
tom

 

[Stallion]

That's what I need. I'll get the AIM. Thanks for the step-by-step. `

 

[Ala75Vette]

if you're replacing your heater core -- or pulling out the heater box that contains it -- there's a screw (stud) that goes through the firewall to the engine compartment. It's the top-left one once you've got the dash off, the duct work out, etc. An important fact to note if that's what you're doing....

 

[silver 80]

TR,
did you get the heater contorl unit out?
do you have the slide type or the wheel type.

There is a section in my shop manual that list how to. it's under the body section.

 

[Stallion]

I haven't tried yet. I was just away for 5 days. But I have the slider type. I will take a look in the body section, thanks for the heads up. Otherwise, I'm still going to order the AIM. Thanks and I'll keep you guys updated on progress!!

TR