Mac72LT1

So my heater core needs replacing in my 72 non-air car. I wanted to ask which manufacturer you have had good luck with. I plan to have any purchase pressure tested and any additional soldering also done at same time.

I'm also going to take this task on myself. Does anyone have a step by step for remove/replace. I think I'm going to replace all the heater box seals while I have it apart.

Thanks

USAFVeteran

I think I finally found one at a good price on Amazon. I don't remember, mine is an air car, and I replaced both while I was in there taking it all apart any way.


Wherever I got it, I'm pretty sure it was a Harrison, just like stock

billschroeder5842

A factory service manual will be invaluable in helping you on the project. I did my heater core on a AC equipped 82 a few months back... the instructions saved me!

BB68Vett

It's actually a pretty straightforward job, just a pain in the neck to get to everything. I have 68 big block no a/c, so it's similar. You'll need to drain the antifreeze down some and remove the 2 hoses from the heater core inside the engine compartment. In the passenger compartment, remove the right side dash pad, which will give you access to the heater plenum. Disconnect the heater cables and remove the nuts/bolts holding the plenum to the firewall. The heater core will come out with the plenum. There is a bracket inside the plenum securing the heater core which is easily removed. Once removed you can go back into the engine compartment and remove the heater core housing which extends to the heater fan on the right side of the car. Once removed you can clean it up and re-seal and re-install it. Installation of the heater core is the reverse of removal. Good luck!

- Mike

Rcdizy

I thought i read that non-A/C cars everything is done under the hood?

BB68Vett

Not sure about getting to everything under the hood. In theory I guess it could be done, but there's not enough room to remove everything with the engine in the car. Maybe it's different on a small block. Not sure. I've always done it from inside the car. I have a service manual, so I'll check it and see what it says.

BB68Vett

Just checked the 68 Chevrolet Service Manual and it says to remove from inside the car as I described. I can't speak for a 72, but I doubt it would be much different.

Mod75

Got my replacement core at O'reillys, it was a Mexican unit, The other core would be the China unit.
When you get your new core in the cradle pressure test it before going in the car. Local radiator repair place, no charge for testing.

My 75 with air, all done from the inside, remove the pass seat.

Rcdizy

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...placement.html

I have never replaced one, but i remembered reading this once. I have always been scared to take dash apart

lvmyvt76

check with WILLCOX to see where their cores are made. He sells good parts.

mortgageguy

I bought mine at NAPA eight years ago. Good fit and no problems since.

sierra 43

I got the one in my 74 from Autozone for $39.00. It looked good, tested good. It was put in from the interior. A pain, but plug and play. My car is a/c and I replaced it to, bigger pain.

kansas123

Did you do all/most of the replacement work from the inside, removing the right dash panel and passenger seat? thanks

tpfarm

If you google "heater core replacement '74 Corvette" there is a guy who made a video of replacing his heater core on a non A/C car and it comes out from under the hood. Can't see that there would be much difference between his big block and your small block. If I knew how to attach it to this forum I would but I do not.

xkeots

Hi,
I got mine for my 77 with air on Amazon cheaper than anywhere with 2 day delivery. They also guarantee fit if you use the fitment guide. It is straight forward, just a bit uncomfortable.
I have all the manuals which made it easier. But easier than others.
Jax
77 L-82

Duane4238

I replaced the heater core in my '72 non-ac small block last year. I didn't touch anything in the interior. Did it all from the engine side and I'm 65!! If it had to be done from the interior, it would still be without a heater. It was a very simple, straightforward job that took about an hour to complete including a few rest stops. Can't bend over that fender as long as I used to. Anyway, very rewarding when it was done and now my wife can enjoy an evening ride when the weather is cooler. Right now in Buffalo, N.Y. it is 90 degrees. Too hot for me.
Duane

BKarol

[QUOTE=tpfarm;1592841824]If you google "heater core replacement '74 Corvette" there is a guy who made a video of replacing his heater core on a non A/C car and it comes out from under the hood. Can't see that there would be much difference between his big block and your small block. If I knew how to attach it to this forum I would but I do not.[/QUOTE



My 78 non ac was the same.

ykf7b0

A piece of cake in a non-air car.

Kim72

I've had mine out a number of times over the years, all from under the hood. On a non/ac car, there is no need to remove anything from the inside. It's a fairly easy job. One of the only ones that is.

Mac72LT1

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm tackling this weekend.