heater core quote

[baxsom]

i was quoted by the local corvette restorer 380 to replace the heater core in my 72. i have been reading about what a PITA it was but i honestly did try to get to it. i took the right side dash and center console out.
i started pulling some ductwork out. i took some bolts out that hold the box to the firewall. i stil couldnt get the damn thing out. supposedly there is a bolt that you can only get to from the outside. i cant find it.

is 380 a worthwhile amount to pay or am i getting hosed.


(although i did manage to get my fan working)

 

[petes74ttop]

Heater core

Replacing the core of a Vette with A/C is a little harder than on a non A/C car. There is a nut or two that you have to get to from the motor side of the firewall. If you do a SEARCH you'll fine some pictures and information from others who have done it.
$380.00 for a replacement sounds fair, a restorer can do it a lot faster than those of us who try it for the first time. PG.

 

[geopar]

1) Who is your local restorer?
2) What part of San Antonio are you in?
3) Have you purchased the heater core (have it in hand)?
4) I might be able to help you.
George
210 213 7004
geopar@gvtc.com

 

[baxsom]

i have read almost all of the threads and pics on here about it, thats why thought i could tackle it myself but fortunatly i convinced myself to stop before i messed something up.

 

[paul67]

For $380 it is a bargain if A/C equipped.

Again if A/C equipped, here is the firewall bolt(engine side) that some people miss. This will be your problem if you haven't loosened it off.

And just for reference...

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/content/view/81/

 

[baxsom]

that is definitly one i missed.
the PO sprayed undercoating all over the firewall so a lot of those bolts are covered up. looks like i need to go hunting.

 

[paul67]

that is definitly one i missed.
the PO sprayed undercoating all over the firewall so a lot of those bolts are covered up. looks like i need to go hunting.

That is the only one related to the heater core.

 

[baxsom]

found it,

bolt off, heater core actually wiggled a little
thats a good sign hahaha

 

[paul67]

found it,

bolt off, heater core actually wiggled a little
thats a good sign hahaha

I think you have it! Just keep wiggling. It will move out and up then out as the snouts clear. Fun job . Took me 12 hours.

 

[baxsom]

heater core is out.

the box is out, the duct work is out, the core is out of the box.

oh god what have i gotten myself into hahah..
overall its wasnt too bad once i found that outside nut.

still its funny the old core doesnt look that bad, how big does a hole have to be to show up.

i plugged one end and submerged the core and hooked the air compressor to the other end and no bubbles. interesting.

still before i bypassed the core by cutting and connecting the hoses it soaked the passenger floor everytime i drove it.

as soon as i bypassed the core it stopped leaking so there has to be a hole somewhere in the core. thats the only thing that has coolant running through it under there.

oh well new core will start going in as soon as i order the gasket kit.

hopefully install will go as easily as the removall turned out.

 

[Vette79]

Nice job. Some day I'll get to this. Did you take pics?

 

[minifridge1138]

Could it have been a hose going to the heater core or a loose hose clamp and not the core itself?

 

[baxsom]

Could it have been a hose going to the heater core or a loose hose clamp and not the core itself?

maybe

now i just need to figure out how to get it all back together.

 

[paul67]

Could it have been a hose going to the heater core or a loose hose clamp and not the core itself?

It's possible. But to check you have to destroy the snouts. Why not just do the job and forget it for another 30 years.

 

[baxsom]

to everyone that said make sure and get the new unit tested.

thank you so very much,
under pressure at a rad shop both the old AND the new unit leaked. neither one showed a leak with my low pressure air compressor but as soon as the radiator shop pressurized it it hissed like crazy. rats rats rats rats
damn, i am taking it to the shop. at least i already have all the ductwork out so it shouldnt be as much now at least.

 

[paul67]

to everyone that said make sure and get the new unit tested.

thank you so very much,
under pressure at a rad shop both the old AND the new unit leaked. neither one showed a leak with my low pressure air compressor but as soon as the radiator shop pressurized it it hissed like crazy. rats rats rats rats
damn, i am taking it to the shop. at least i already have all the ductwork out so it shouldnt be as much now at least.

Let me guess. You paid $40.00 0n EBay for that core (Made in China in small print).