I'll ask this question knowing full well that I may anger the Corvette Gods. Can the heater core be replaced on a 71 without AC from the engine bay side? Where the tubes come out of the core into the engine bay appears to be a removeable panel, with bolts and nuts on the right side. It's tough to see the other side, but I'll investigate further if it's possible? If the answer is "no dummy, you must take it out from the inside and suffer like the rest of us", that's ok. It doesn't leak now (now that I said that, however...). Just thought I'd ask while I have all that empty space in the enigne compartment.

"no dummy, you must take it out from the inside and suffer like the rest of us"


The A/C evaporator can be removed from the outside, but the heater core is on the inside. Non-A/C cars MAY be able to remove the core from the engine side...I think...

Sorry, but you have to take it out from the inside.

Thanks for the responses guys. While I was waiting for the paint on the pulleys to dry, I decided to pull off that cover on the firewall.



At least I could verify that it wasn't leaking, and I cleaned out a few leaves, too! I also said a little curse word aimed at the General for his design...

Be sure to double check your hose clamps when reinstalling them. I had some help when we did mine and each thought the other had tightened the clamps. My carpet was ruined from the leak.

Just in case you wanted to know: http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/juliet/heatercore/HeatCore_orig.htm

Thanks Dave, I will. Brian - thanks for the link.