In my prior post of my intentions of taking the dash cover off and seeing what the original dash looks like it was mentioned while I have the dash off to replace the heater core?

Your heater core is like a small radiator. It has antifreeze running through it to heat up the core itself then the fan blows air across it to push the air into the vents. Now, the reason for replacement is that it is a Bih to change. If you are anywhere close to having everything removed I would STRONGLY recommend a replacement. The core itself is probably only around 60 -75 bucks. The grief to replace it once everything is back together is or can be overwhelming! Cars with AC are harder to do then those without. Once it leaks it will drip into the passenger side floor and could (probably will) ruin the carpet. You could always shut of the coolant going to it from under the hood should you decide not to replace at this point and it starts to leak, However if you ever need to replace it now would be the best time. Good luck and let us know what you decided.
Rodney

Look, I know you may say that you won't use the heat, but sooner or later you will. Ask anyone who went to Corvettes for Chip last year! Believe me, I was SOOO glad my car had heat! It also helps the defroster on those cool, misty, mornings. You're going this far, why not fix things while you can? It will also help the resale of the car if you ever want to sell it. I don't know about you, but I want EVERYTHING on my car to work as it did when new. I'm just anal that way. Close isn't good enough. Oh, I do have a cutoff valve for summer (helps the A/C) but I know heat is just a few turns away! It's your car and you can do what you want, but I'd replace the heater core. Jaws792011-08-01 17:00:43

Replacing the  heater core is not that bad if you already have the dash apart. Redwingvette2011-08-01 17:56:33

I would make the heater core and the dash in your case one and the same repair effort.  If you feel like the heater core is ok and you are not interested in starting to work on your dash then leave them both alone.  I know I gave you a long email on replacing the dash and if you got everything you need and someone to help you for a few hours the complete job is only a couple of Saturdays.  It just I did not do it that way I started then decided the heater core needed replacement and then I posts were cracked and so on and so on.  By the time I started putting it back together I had forgotten how things when back together almost. 

It was an ugly baby because I did not plan it. Plan it and two Saturdays and you are done.When you decide it is time to get it done.
tb2k82ce2011-08-01 22:53:44

Just don't start the project the week before a show!!!!! I always get in trouble with that!!!

Thanks for all the info I appreciate it. I will probably tackle the dash and core this fall.I just wanted some info on the heat issue. Did not know if mine is coming from the core or its the firewall/flooring where all the heat pours through. It's not been too bad but when it reached 100 in the northeast it was a hot one for just an hour ride.... Being a driver I'm sure the core is ready to let loose so I agree with the since everything is out dash off change the core. Just wanted to know how much was involved. As usual once yo have done one it goes  a whole lot better and faster. Again thanks for the info and will let yo know when that happens. For now just enjoying the summer after the tire blow out!!!!  It really runs nice and a nice ride with 4 new tires on her.  Just don't look at the right rear panel. OK Thanks again BB78

Babyblue - thanks for making this a current topic...I too will be doing the heater core dance this fall.  Brian - thanks for the photo documentary of the replacement - that will come in super handy.  Mine already peed in my car - fortunately most of it ended up on my floor mats, not the carpet.  So we have already preformed bypass surgery - transplant scheduled for this fall/winter.

Just removed my heater core and found a broken part.. imagine that... anyone know where I can buy one like it or I'll have to make something... don't trust glue ... and don't want to ever take it apart again 

 I t fits the flapper door that i believe directs air to the floor or Def.
 Not sure but  attached is a picture of the part



In this picture it is just behind the wire bundle attached to the door



Tnx,
Ray