uralman

has anyone else tried to replace the heater core on an early C4 useing the method described by fasguy. he says you do not have to pull the dash.

paul

vinnies87

No, but where's the post, would love to read this one... never know... may someday have to change the heater core...

uralman

do a search for heater core in the archives. look at the post from fastguy.

paul

Black89

I just changed the heater core in my 89 and was hoping to use the easy method, but ended up removing the dash. Even if I had done it before and knew where the nuts/screws were, I doubt I could have done it the easy way. It ended up taking me 3 nights, it is a giant PITA, but looking back on it not that hard, just tedious. Make sure to bag & label the nuts/screws as they come off. The article from Corvette Fever and an assortment of 1/4 extensions & a u-joint helps a lot.

Fastguy

I don't know if other years are different but I didn't pull the dash in my 88.

Here's the link. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=531792


[Modified by Fastguy, 1:07 PM 10/27/2003]

CFI-EFI

I followed the steps in my Helms manual. The first thing they have you do is pull the dash pad. This was probably the easiest part of the whole operation. Having access from above seems like it was a considerable advantage. I didn't remove the seat, but that sounds like a good idea, too. In another 20 years when this one fails, I'll trade it. Once is MORE than plenty. Good luck, and...

RACE ON!!!

GlockLT4

Is this the same for the later year C4's ? (non-removal of the dash)

uralman

i though the later years had heater core access from under the hood.

paul

CFI-EFI

I read, somewhere, in my surfing, today, that 1990 and up heater cores come out on the engine side of the firewall. I think my reading was connected to Fastguy's link. Check your service manual. That would make it a totally different job. Good luck, and...

RACE ON!!!

tkrussell

One should only hope that Chevy finally engineered a way to replace the heater core from the engine side. Took them long enough.

pablocruise

Can someone post pics of an 90 or later HC from the engine bay side?
Maybe the pre 90's firewall can be modified like the 90+??

NavyVet

:iagree: Fastguy is right.

I pulled my dashpad to eliminate the breadbox which I did at the same time as the core, otherwise would not have. Pulling the seat is the key. Good luck on the heater core though. The "brand new" one I bought from Zip started leaking within 2 months. I haven't bothered to remove it though. I'm going to remove the A/C soon and will do it then. :flag

jburnett

I'm curious as to the '90-up too... I'm at THAT point in gutting my car right now and I can't see where it comes out through the firewall. I've got everything else off but it looks to me like it has to come through the interior (ie., out the dash). I know it's time consuming but for me it will be nearly impossible considering my car has a FULL FRIGGIN' CAGE in it!!!
-Jeb

CFI-EFI

I have an '84. My 1984 Helms manual, doesn't reference other years. Sorry, no pictures. I DID find where I read about the '90 ups, however. It is in a magazine article in a link off of Fastguy's link. The article said, they pulled the "whole dash". To me, that is a lot different than pulling the dashPAD, which in itself, isn't much of an added step. On an either/or basis, *I* think the dashpad is easier than the seat. Regardless, *I* think the job is a bitch, on an '84. Read the article here:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/jonm//c4heater01.jpg

Good luck, and...

RACE ON!!!

jburnett

I think I'm just gonna Sawzall the bitch out through the front!!! :reddevil
-jeb

edsalinas

:lolg: :lolg: :lolg: :lolg: :lolg:
:lolg: :lolg: :lolg: :lolg: :lolg:

LD85

Well, 1-week from this weekend I will replace my heater core, I guess I will find out!

NavyVet

:lolg: :lolg: :lolg: Gotta love the Sawzall - best power tool ever!

Mike_88Z51

This is in line with the method fastguy outlines.
Gordon Killebrew (factory C4 mechanic extraodinaire) told me that the factory C4 mechanics would pull the heater core from inside the car without pulling the dash. He said he could pull the core in about 30 minutes and I believe him. Gordon told me why the factory recommended the MUCH harder method to the dealers and in the factory manuals, but I don't remember exactly what he said. Something to do with concern for satining the carpet and labor charges I believe.

If you haven't taken a course at Gordon's School you should. The guy is awsome.



[Modified by Mike_88Z51, 11:25 AM 10/30/2003]

edsalinas

A buddy of mine just replaced his HC in his '92. He swears there is now frickin way that heater core is comin' out from the engine side.

I believe him, he's a pretty good gear-head.

Anybody have proof that it does?

:confused: :confused: