X Man

Hi All

I need to replace the heater core in my 1980 L82.
My question is will I be able to do this my self with
common garage tools or should I take it to a dealer?
Also will I have to remove the dash to do this or can
it be removed from underneath?
Thanks Barry

R. Bruno

This is a PITA job, but you don't need any special tools - just time.
DO NOT take it to a dealer. They will no more than you about the car, (probably a lot less) and will charge a lot to do the job.

Matt O

I can't help with an 80 but in my 69 the heater core came out from i/s the car/under the passenger side. It didn't take any special tools only a lot of time. Entire dash didn't come out but cross brace and other stuff did....

PhotoVette1

It will take you all day to do it--gauge bezel and RH dash have to come out. However, an auto repair shop will charge an amazing amount of money to do it. So, do yourself a favor, get an estimate first. Then you'll be happy to do it yourself!

Paul L

This will give you a few ideas.

http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/juli...tCore_orig.htm

X Man

Paul67

Thanks for the pictures, that looks like a lot of
work.
I think I'll leave that job for next winter.
Thanks Barry

PhotoVette1

I waited till winter to do mine too. Yep, I waited until, with the windows up and cruising on the highway, I got so cold my breath was coming out in clouds and I was shivering so much it was hard to steer. I never dreamed it could get so cold in a C3!

HDFLH67

If you don't have A/C, I believe you can exchange from firewall. Did my '75 in about an hour.

Paul L

Unfortunately for Barry the last year A/C was an option was 1979. It became a standard feature in 1980. My 1979 was one of the 6,000 or so without A/C.

81corvettevortec

I thought a 1980 had a 1 piece dash, am i wrong? i heard that they are way harder than the earlier C3's.

jazzpicks

I started tearing mine out today on my 82 with ac. I came out from inside the car with the one stud bolt on the firewall in the engine compartment. Make sure you buy the kit to rebuild the heater box while it is out. It is well worth it, my foam gaskets were shot and the core was leaking worse than I thought. You can always couple the hoses that go to the heater core (under the car) together if it starts leaking. I have to reattach everything back in tomorrow! Wish me luck. Just my 2 cents.

nhlgopens

I actually disconnected my heater core... it's the original and at 31 years old - I was afraid that it would pop with someone in the passenger side, most likely my boy. I'm fair weather driver anyway - so I will never need the heater.

AGVI

They are a one piece and it DOES have to come out to remove and reinstall the heater core. It's not a hard job, just time consuming.

Just remember where everything goes and you'll be fine.

hunt4cleanair

Hey Barry:

I did my 78 A/C and the guys are right on...it takes all day! I wrote mine up with pics but you only need loosen the dash but the consoles have to be removed entirely, take out passenger room for room, remove carpet to avoid spillage and ruining (if not already), remove glove box,remove duct work (nice time to refresh and reseal).

If I had had the box rebuild unit with seals...I would have used it as someone suggested. Depending on your mileage, its also a good time to check operation of your climate control vacuum operated actuators (things that make those doors open and close).

The trickiest part is getting a good replacement heater core unit...those tubes are tight and someone told me they are made in Mexico. The suggestion is to stick with Delco which will ensure the closest to the original...it is tight quarters. Let us know when you're ready to go.

PhotoVette1

I bought my heater core from Ecklers; it was an exact match to the original.