Non AC heater install help

[wpavlis]

So I have had my heater out for a while to fix the leaky heater core and to remove the sizable mouse nest within the inside section. I have the inside box restored and installed and tried to test fit the engine side box today. Does anyone have any tips for installing it? I squeezed and twisted it to get it into place, but every time the rubber seal arround the fan inlet would come off. I even glued it on using some weather strip glue I had. Maybe I need some stronger glue? If it matters it's a 68. I have the inner fender completely removed and I did not remove the hood hinge. Thanks!

Bill

[saxart]

I had the same issue with mine. Ended up using RVT silicone to hold the gasket to the heater box. Had to be cautious with the pre-clean, and then let it dry overnight, but it held the gasket on just fine.

Best of luck to you.

[wpavlis]

Thanks. Did you need to remove the hood hinge? I guess it's time to clean up the leftover residue and try the rtv.

[projectking]

I use 3m wetherstrip adhesive

[wpavlis]

That is what I used. Maybe I didn't use enough. The first time I tried the rubber ring got kinda folded over. Maybe that broke the bond so it didn't hold the second time I tried. I guess I will just try it again this weekend.

[wpavlis]

Wanted to say thanks to those who helped me get this done. I looked closer at how I had glued the gasket to the heater box. It looks like it had slipped upward causing it to stick out farther than it should have. I used some scrap plywood I had laying around to fix that issue.



Once the glue set up I tried to install it again. It worked better this time, but I still couldn't get it on. I gave up an loosened the hood hinge so I could get it out of the way. Worked like a charm after that. I should mention that I used 3M strip caulk to seal it to the firewall. That stuff is sticky!



Of course, I scratched it all up due to stubbornly refusing to loosen the hood hinge. As a result I had to mask up the area and apply some spray paint afterwords.



I am amazed at how well the fan works without a huge mouse nest inside it! As a bonus, the cab no longer smells like mouse urine.

Thanks again for the help!