Removing Heater Core? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

samwise68 · 11-05-2009, 08:11 PM

Hey all,

Winter's around the corner and my heater core is leaky. I have a replacement one out of one of my other trucks, but I ran into a hitch this afternoon - how do I get the heater core/fan assembly out?

I mean, yes. Take the bolts out, etc. But, there are some clearance issues with the inner fender and the bottom bolts.

Please don't tell me I need to take my inner fender out, just to remove it...

Anyone have any tips or tricks? I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

-Sam.

**kwmech** · 11-05-2009, 08:20 PM

Take your inner fender out

JimKshortstep4x4 · 11-05-2009, 08:28 PM

Do you have AC or not as the AC heater core is a lot easier to replace compared to the standard heater.

Jim

Dingfodgy · 11-05-2009, 08:51 PM

As "kwmech" said....remove the inner fender.

cdowns · 11-05-2009, 09:12 PM

it's a great weekend project// take out inner fender clean t up spruce it up with a can of paint clean up the exposed framerail and the side of the engine block change the heater core then button it all back up/ heck you could also take off the hood hinge clean lubricate and paint it too

Chevyntytwo · 11-05-2009, 10:57 PM

While your at it think about a replacement blower motor. Inexpensive and worry free for years to come.

Sammy · 11-05-2009, 11:25 PM

You can remove the bolts on the inner and slide it around without removing if you like. Also I think I removed the R/H hinge and used a 2X4 to hold the hood to get to that 1 bolt.

Smallz72project · 11-05-2009, 11:46 PM

I just had to do this myself on my truck. I robbed the assembly off my 72 for my 67. I did not remove the inner fender although you will need to unbolt the hood hinge so you can swing it out of the way enough to clear it all. The only one that you cant reach isnt actually a bolt, its just a thin sheet metal style nut thats pressed, if your not super worried about it you can unbolt all the other ones you can and then just wiggle it gently until that nut pops off, now you wont be able to reinstall that nut with out taking the inner fender out. The correct way would be inner fender removed, but if you are in a hurry and just need it done and plan on going back in at some point...its an option...I only used this method for removal...installation onto my 67 is with the inner fender removed. Also once you get it off...dont get too anxious and pull too hard.....the flapper door is attached just on the other side and will prevent you from removing it completely...just need to swing it out enough that you can see it and get on the keeper with a pair of needle nose pliers. Good luck!

samwise68 · 11-06-2009, 10:53 AM

Alrighty then, at least I was totally missing an obvious alternative solution.

Thanks guys, I'll look into it this weekend. For now, I just bypassed the heater core, so I won't be getting fumigated with antifreeze, haha. Good thing I don't mind driving without heat for a few days, should I have to.

Thanks again!

-Sam.

**VetteVet** · 11-06-2009, 12:34 PM

This from the FAQS
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=69812

WyoGMC · 11-07-2009, 12:06 AM

I just replaced my heater motor recently. On the subject of not getting too excited to pull off the heater box because of the flapper wire. You can pull the rubber grommet from inside the cab and pull off the cable before you try to pull off the heater box.

I wanted to to put in a new heater core while I was working in the area. But the checkbook wouldn't let me. It is a real good idea to change out the heater motor while you have it apart. Nothing worse than having to do the same work twice when you could have taken care of it the first time. Plus get new gaskets too.

sameyrasmea72 · 11-07-2009, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samwise68

....... I have a replacement one out of one of my other trucks, .......
-Sam.

This is not a difficult job to do, but it is not simple either. I would try to get a brand new core if possible, or you might have to do the change all over again in a couple years. a new one should last the life of the truck nearly. I don't think they cost much at a parts store. If not a new one, take the one you plan to put in there to a radiator shop and they can pressure test it for you.

Longhorn Man · 11-07-2009, 01:57 PM

if the blower motor is not making noise, i would leave it alone. With the total lack of quality in parts store electronic stuff these days, your old motor will more likely than not live longer than the replacement junk. Plus, it is super easy to swap in a new motor in compared to a heater core.
If the funds are there, i would consider a new core over a used one off a parts truck.

Sport/Truck · 11-07-2009, 04:00 PM

I'd suggest installing a new blower seal while your at it.
s/t

lok-dawg · 11-08-2009, 11:14 PM

About to tackle this exact same install. . . Will definitely be buying a brand new core though.

11-05-2009, 08:20 PM	#2
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,650	Re: Removing Heater Core? Take your inner fender out

11-05-2009, 08:28 PM	#3
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Removing Heater Core? Do you have AC or not as the AC heater core is a lot easier to replace compared to the standard heater. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

11-05-2009, 08:51 PM	#4
Dingfodgy Lemme show you something!! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: St.Helens, OR. Posts: 876	Re: Removing Heater Core? As "kwmech" said....remove the inner fender. __________________ '67 CST-10 LWB ("Crusty") SOLD '67 GMC SWB ("Murdock") 2000 K1500 Suburban ("Betty") '95 BMW 325i ("Joy")

11-05-2009, 09:12 PM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Removing Heater Core? it's a great weekend project// take out inner fender clean t up spruce it up with a can of paint clean up the exposed framerail and the side of the engine block change the heater core then button it all back up/ heck you could also take off the hood hinge clean lubricate and paint it too __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

11-05-2009, 10:57 PM	#6
Chevyntytwo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Colorado Springs Colorado Posts: 31	Re: Removing Heater Core? While your at it think about a replacement blower motor. Inexpensive and worry free for years to come. __________________ 72 k20 Cheyenne Super 350 Turbo 400 Dana 44 Front / 60 Rear NP 208. 315 70 17 Hummer H2 wheels. Black.

11-05-2009, 11:25 PM	#7
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Removing Heater Core? You can remove the bolts on the inner and slide it around without removing if you like. Also I think I removed the R/H hinge and used a 2X4 to hold the hood to get to that 1 bolt. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

11-05-2009, 11:46 PM	#8
Smallz72project Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Missoula, MT Posts: 273	Re: Removing Heater Core? I just had to do this myself on my truck. I robbed the assembly off my 72 for my 67. I did not remove the inner fender although you will need to unbolt the hood hinge so you can swing it out of the way enough to clear it all. The only one that you cant reach isnt actually a bolt, its just a thin sheet metal style nut thats pressed, if your not super worried about it you can unbolt all the other ones you can and then just wiggle it gently until that nut pops off, now you wont be able to reinstall that nut with out taking the inner fender out. The correct way would be inner fender removed, but if you are in a hurry and just need it done and plan on going back in at some point...its an option...I only used this method for removal...installation onto my 67 is with the inner fender removed. Also once you get it off...dont get too anxious and pull too hard.....the flapper door is attached just on the other side and will prevent you from removing it completely...just need to swing it out enough that you can see it and get on the keeper with a pair of needle nose pliers. Good luck! __________________ - 1967 Chevy C10 shortbox - 1984 Chevy K10 "Mater"- SWB 305 manual, retired sheriffs truck, Current Frame Off Project - 1986 Chevy K10 LWB 350/350 Daily Driver/project

11-06-2009, 12:34 PM	#10
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,719	Re: Removing Heater Core? This from the FAQS http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=69812 __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

11-07-2009, 12:06 AM	#11
WyoGMC Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Riverton WY Posts: 32	Re: Removing Heater Core? I just replaced my heater motor recently. On the subject of not getting too excited to pull off the heater box because of the flapper wire. You can pull the rubber grommet from inside the cab and pull off the cable before you try to pull off the heater box. I wanted to to put in a new heater core while I was working in the area. But the checkbook wouldn't let me. It is a real good idea to change out the heater motor while you have it apart. Nothing worse than having to do the same work twice when you could have taken care of it the first time. Plus get new gaskets too. __________________ 68 GMC 91 GMC ext cab 05 Dodge Ram SRT-10........gone but not forgotten

11-07-2009, 01:57 PM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Removing Heater Core? if the blower motor is not making noise, i would leave it alone. With the total lack of quality in parts store electronic stuff these days, your old motor will more likely than not live longer than the replacement junk. Plus, it is super easy to swap in a new motor in compared to a heater core. If the funds are there, i would consider a new core over a used one off a parts truck.

11-07-2009, 04:00 PM	#14
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Removing Heater Core? I'd suggest installing a new blower seal while your at it. s/t __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe.

11-08-2009, 11:14 PM	#15
lok-dawg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Meridian, ID Posts: 53	Re: Removing Heater Core? About to tackle this exact same install. . . Will definitely be buying a brand new core though. __________________ '72 Chevrolet C10- Deluxe/5.7/Short Fleetside '02 Chevrolet Tahoe- LT/5.3/4x4 '13 Ford F150- XLT/5.0/SuperCrew/4X4 '14 Subaru Impreza- Limited/2.0/Sedan/AWD Last edited by lok-dawg; 11-08-2009 at 11:14 PM. Reason: grammar



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