Has anyone disassembled their heater box?

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by F.A.A.benny

ok now after reading your post again, I think I see what the issue is. I believe that you assume that if you remove the rivet and the pivot, that the rod will just slide right out. Well that is more than likely not going to happen. That rod goes through the slots of the flapper with pretty much a pressed fit, meaning its not just going to slide out.

Really? My heater box is out in the garage right now and I'm too lazy to go back out there. If you are correct, it sucks!

I'd really like to paint the inner side of my flapper, what do you suggest?

[In The Ten Ring]

ttt!

Does anyone know how I can remove the flapper from my (non) AC heater box so I can derust it?

How does this go back together?

[mdeal]

I did just this back in December. To remove the rod from the flapper I took a punch and knocked it back through the box/flapper door. This was easier said than done. It also mushroomed the tip of the rod. I just took the rod to a bench grinder and smoothed it back out for re-installation. If I remember correct, mine was rusted pretty bad in there and it was a bear to get out. When you re-install it there is a flat side on the rod to help position it back in the correct location.
Patience. You'll get it.

[In The Ten Ring]

You know, you are completely correct about the rod!

I looked at mine closely and I can see what you mean. Now looking at my pics, do you think it's worth it to disassemble?

I really want to paint the parts to prevent future rust but is it worth it?

[mdeal]

To keep from pulling your hair out, you could just do a really neat job of taping up the rubber parts and hitting it with some rattle can. Of course, after prepping the surface with scotchbrite and some Grease & Wax remover. I don't think that this would be a problem at all. It may not be completely necessary to remove the rod and inner flap anyway. Most of the time what rusts is the plate between there and the firewall. I have a complete heater box at home that is eat out on the bottom of that metal panel. I lucked up and had a friend, that changed to Vintage Air, give me his old heater box that was in great condition. I put mine and the other one I had in a box and stored it away and used the good one. I still disassembled the box and painted everything and installed with new rubber/gaskets. You'll get it. Keep moving on it and don't let it whip ya!

[In The Ten Ring]

You are probably right. I did soak it in Evaporust and most of the rust came off. I could tape off the gasket and paint it, getting the outside. I could grease the parts on the bottom to ease the squeak and just go on. Since those parts are on the outside of the heater box, I could relube them from time to time, add that to "normal maintenance duties."

I ordered new gaskets from GMC Pauls and I really need to get this thing back together......I'll get past my desire to remove the flapper.