heater box removal?

[drivethechevy]

I just got my 71 k10 out of stoarage last sunday and im trying to figure out the best way to clean out a mouse nest in the under hood part of the heater box that
what is the easiest way to remove the heater box or just the fan without removing the fender
would i have to remove the inner fender to get the whole heater box out?
any help would be greatly appreciated, i a hoping to tackle this on saturday
thanks
nate

[dan42]

I'm pretty sure you have to drop the fender, and take the hood off as well, although I remember a thread somewhere where someone did it without taking either off. Someone may remember where that was. I can't see how you can, though.

[mr48chev]

You have to drop the inner fender. take out the bolts around the wheel well and the ones that go to the bracket on the inside and pull the inner fender down and use a block of wood to hold it down a couple of inches.
You can get to the bottom bolts on the unit then.

I think you can get it out without takeing the hood or right hinge off but you will probably wish you had anyhow.

I need to do the same thing for the same reason plus changing the blower motor.

[sleepertruck72]

I read somewhere here also that they removed the heater box without removing inner fender. It probably has been done. You would need some swivel sockets and some extensions I would guess.(Assuming this is for a non A/C truck like mine) I just replaced mine like 2 days ago. I removed the inner fender, and it was relatively easy. The bolts are 1/2" with the exception of one that is 5/8" where it mounts on the cab. Total of about 12 or 14 bolts. Its not like youre gonna mix them up or anything. I would recommend removing the hood if you have some extra help but it really only helps when you reinstall the box. My box had some leaves and some debris because it had no seals other than the firewall to fan. I got some seals and I hope to see no debris in my box anymore. You should be able to tackle it in one day unless you work for an hour and drink for an hour like me But I really have no hurry for it.
Good luck, and be patient

[drivethechevy]

sound like i can pull this off then
maybe i will write a how to for this cause on most of the trucks ive looked at would have benifited from a good cleaning of the heater box
thanks
nate

[Green Machine]

Biggest problem is the lower bolt closest to the fender. Some 1/4 inch swivel sockets are you friend here. If you have a long skinny arm, that bolt can be reached from the bottom. I've done 3 or 4 of these heaters without removing the inner fender. I figure I would cause more work from all the twisted off rusty bolts that hold the innner fender in. Hood hinge needs to come of too IIRC.

[sleepertruck72]

Green Machine you aint lying about the bolts for the inner fender. I had one on each side. The passenger side wasnt too bad it was about the 2nd one up on the wheelwell next to the door, the driver side was right under the hood hinge and was a bear to get off without grinding. I didnt have to remove the driver side, but I cleaned up some wiring and lubed my ball joints and suspension so it made it easier. I didnt remove the hood hinge. I left one bolt on each side and it came forward to rest on the grill ( plenty cardboard ). I only did that to reinstall the box. I took it off with the hood still on. I have skinny hands, but I would of ended up throwing those 1/4 inch swivel sockets across the street if it didnt work for me

Drive the Chevy,
please do a write up, It will help people out. Good luck