Decided to discuss a new topic. The fuel pump one got more into an argument between members, so let's discuss something that is a little better and not wrong with how you do it.

So with that said, HEATER CORES. The book says you need to remove the entire dash to replace the heater core. I disagree with this. I did Aaron's heater core with only removing the passenger side dash underside and then getting to the screws that hold the cover in place. I definately helps to position the body correctly to reach the top bolts, but you can do this by feel. Took me about 45 minutes to do it this way and nothing was damaged.

Removing the dash is one way of doing this and is in no way wrong. I also feel my way is less time consuming and is also the correct way of doing this. No parts are broken or cut into. Just done a different way.

Thoughts or concerns with this?

 

Yes, I have concerns!!! Very, very deep concerns!! I...Just dont know what they may be at this time... I'll think of them though!!
seriously, you made that look easy. My vote goes to a dash mod in which you cut the passenger side of the dash out of the car... Nope, not going to go there, but I couldnt resist!!

 

hahahha my bad so while we're on this subject you know you wanna do my heater core for me right? id do it but theres that whole not a contortionist thing goin on for me

 

We'll see what we can do.

 

Actually.....The "fuel pump mod" is not far from the "heater core mod"

I know of 1 guy who (in a Firebird with the dash pocket) who pulled the pocket off...
cut through the dash right behind it....
had easy access to the heater core (like the fuel pump)....
did the swap.....
then put the dash pocket back on.


Problem solved!

But yeah...I've always just taken the passenger seat out, which gave more room to lay on my back & reach up. Pulling the whole dash is entirely unnecessary.

 

I did mine without removing the dash. The hardest part for me was getting the heater hoses off/on when I still had my emissions equipment installed. Mine may be different as I have no A/C.

 

Stephen, your friend cut his dash? Why? Could he not just feel for the screw on top of the box and use a deep socket, 3" extension, and 1/4 ratchet to get it undone? It's the same in Firebirds and Camaros and not hard, but it seems to be more work to cut the dash. Removing the pocket is harder to do than just reaching up over the box. Only dash panel that needs to be removed is the one under the passenger side. The heater hoses in the engine compartment can be hard, but as long as you get them off, you will be fine. The rest you can do while hanging outside the passenger side door.

 

It was a post I read here on TGO. Nobody I know personally, nor do I remember where he was from.

I've done the under-dash method of heater core removal before too, so that is nothing new to me.

 

HAHA!! Stephen, I was just kidding, I didnt really think anyone would actually do it! Thats funny!

 

In case you thought that *I* was kidding...... https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/cool...ater-core.html

 

Ha,Ha! I did believe you... One thing I have noticed after seeing your posts on almost all the boards is that you never kid.
Thats an old post! You DO have a good memory, is something I have always noticed!
Thanks, Stephen!
--Jason--

 

The worst part of the heater core is re-assembly. And the hoses. I got the heater core in fine on my own. Took another couple days to do the hoses. Guess what a shop wants to change the heater core hoses on a Camaro? $250. ;.; I just cursed it out and eventually managed to get it reassembled.

 

I agree with the hoses being the worst part. I replaced my heater core about a year and a half ago. Getting the core back in and aligned was a bit of a pain, but getting the hoses back on was worse.

 

HA 3 words : soocrispy's motor swap.

we planned to hook the hoses up as we were lowering it in except we spaced on it, i spent a good amount of time trying to get them hooked up. Eventually said screw it and we bypassed it lol not like hes gonna need it for a few months

 

If you unbolt the pipe that runs along the passenger side way down, you can make attaching the hoses easier. Not a lot, but it's enough. It's the only way I managed to get them on. :/

 

They are a pain. I found that vaseline helps.