Topic: Heater hose replacement 75 coupe
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Hey guys,
I need to replace the heater hose on the 75. It is an AC car. I had it up on jack stand yesterday. I crawled under it and I can't even see where they attach to the core. The inner fender well/skirt appears to cover everything. Do I have to cut an access hole to get in there? I did a search on this site and can't find any info. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Scott
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
You mean they're not right there in the open, where it's super easy to get to? Hmmmm...that's weird.....
Scott, there IS a splash shield that comes off to make it easier to get to the hoses. It fits horizontally between the fender and the frame. Just a sheet metal thing.....don't recall off-hand what kind of fasteners are used, but for some reason I'm thinking Phillips head screws.
Iirc.....the hoses on my '74 go in just to the pass side of the A/C plenum, at the very bottom. I do know I can at least see them...doubt I can do anything with them except look, without removing the splash shield....or both. There is also a shield screwed to the firewall down there, called a "toe panel"....phillips head screws on that too, I think, but may be 5/16" hex heads.
Scott, there IS a splash shield that comes off to make it easier to get to the hoses. It fits horizontally between the fender and the frame. Just a sheet metal thing.....don't recall off-hand what kind of fasteners are used, but for some reason I'm thinking Phillips head screws.
Iirc.....the hoses on my '74 go in just to the pass side of the A/C plenum, at the very bottom. I do know I can at least see them...doubt I can do anything with them except look, without removing the splash shield....or both. There is also a shield screwed to the firewall down there, called a "toe panel"....phillips head screws on that too, I think, but may be 5/16" hex heads.
Joel Adams
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Thanks Joel,
I will take another look at it. Hopefully I can remove that piece and find enough working room without destroying fittings on the core. Hoses feel brittle and I don't want to chance a ruptured hose on the highway. More of a preventative action. I've heard all of the horror stories about breaking the fittings out of the core trying to replace the hoses. Thanks for your advice. You are the best.
Scott
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
I'm sure you know to slice the hoses, rather than try to just pull them off, right? Slicing them lengthwise will let them release easier from the core tubes without having to twist, or tug on them. 
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Yup like Joel said. Don't get too physical with the heater pipes. The joint where the pipes go into the heater tank are prone to break. 
You don't want to have to pull the heater.
You don't want to have to pull the heater. 
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.
2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray
I believe the heater core is removed from the inside, even on an air car.
1973 L-82 4 spd
I have my splash sheild off and theirs 2 bolts behind the rocker panel and 2 under and behind the wheel. The wheel well is bolted to the splash sheild and the wheel well where it bolts broke. I'll have to fiberglass or something to make a holding for the wheel well edge. I have a 1975 but don't have the AC Good luck, Zapparex
|UPDATED|5/25/2013 7:57:43 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
|UPDATED|5/25/2013 7:57:43 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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I just replaced the heater core on my "77. There was no shield on the exit of the the two pipes. I do not recommend the job of replacing the core, but mine was leaking and had to be replaced. I agree with those who said to be careful with those two pipes. One is smaller in diameter, so don't get them mixed up. I recommend replacing the vacuum valve also. And those original style clamps are very difficult tighten, if you use them for authentic reasons. Worm type clamps are easier to get to seal. Use a sealant on all the fastenings, if you use the original style clamps.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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