Topic: Heater core air condition info
in Forum: C3 Interior
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Joined: 12/3/2007
Posts: 292
Vette(s): 1978 Corvette Light Blue
Pulled from the swamps of Miami!
Its a driver and back on the road!
Ok I think in a week I am going to try the dash removal. There was 1recent post about fix the ac also while dash is off.
Could you expand on this. I got the word to replace the heater core which I am and it was stated it,s a pain if you have air which I do but that was not explained, and 3rd it was mentioned if the air does not work which it does not but not sure what component is not working, what does that have to do with the dash off. Am I not mistaken that all air condition items are under the hood? Maybe this is why it was mentioned about while I said about the heater core. What air wise am I to do at the heater core location? Please explain further? BB
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Lifetime MemberLemon Grove, CA - USA
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041
Vette(s): 1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.
The only reason to work on the air conditioning that I can
see while the dash is off is to get air distribution system working. That is all under the dash and could be
easier to work on or check out if the dash is out of the car.
I replaced the dash in my 82 which should be the same as
yours.
Here is my check list of things to do while the dash is
off: Not all of them I did and I’m sorry
I did not checkout the air distribution system while it was out and now I get
to work under the dash which is always fun.
1. 1. Replace heater core (I would put in valve to keep hot water out
of core I have those part number also)
2. 2. Replace all light bulbs (I have a good source
for the bulbs about $0.40 each instead of $2.50)
3. 3. Replace radio speakers with good quality 8 ohm
speakers (original speakers were 4 ohm
and eat up a lot of power if mismatched to new radios which are designed to
output into 8 ohm speakers)
4. 4. Replace center console if necessary (I purchase
a standard and cut out the a place for a new type radio save some money)(I will
tell you how if anyone is interested)
5. 5. Check all vacuum hose that are under dash and
replace any that show any signs of old age
Anybody else got any additions?
Be aware if your dash is old you will most likely crack it when you take it out. I do not know of anyway not to flex it to get it out. If it is bridal it will crack. I replaced min and have had it in and out for different reasons (poor planning on my part) . You will also most likely have to take off the plastic on the windshield (inside) I'm not sure you can get the dash off without doing that. Which means you will be taking all of the plastic of the inside of the windshield.
If you have to replace the dash, you will need to use the old dash as a template when installing the new one.
If you do that let me know and I have some tips for you in that area. Things I wish I had known before I did it.
Lifetime MemberBelvidere, IL - USA
Joined: 10/24/2004
Posts: 438
Vette(s): 1977 Black T-Top ZZ4 5Sp 16in Wheels
If you are going to replace your heater core, you do not have to remove dash. Remove passenger side lower dash ( map pocket) . Don't forget lower kick panel and screws at center consul, also courtesy light. All A/C is under the hood and bottom of passenger fende (stone shield). To get to control, remove passenger side consul under radio.
Lifetime MemberLemon Grove, CA - USA
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041
Vette(s): 1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.
That is all true I believe the post he was talking about was if you remove your dash for another reason make sure you do some other things. I agree I would not remove a dash to replace the heater core as I seriously doubt that you can remove an old dash without breaking it or something else in the process.
Good post because if all you need to do is work the air conditioning heating system you do not need to remove the dash. Maybe the seats to give you a little more room but surely not the dash.
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Joined: 12/3/2007
Posts: 292
Vette(s): 1978 Corvette Light Blue
Pulled from the swamps of Miami!
Its a driver and back on the road!
Ok just got back from the car inspection, eventionially need a new radiator support. But did mention to the mechanic that I was going to pull the dash cover to see what shape the original dash was in and that was told if you pull the dash to replace the heater core. Ok I got that but someone mentioned if it has AC there is more to it and I have been trying to find out more to it??????
Well he mentioned that yo might as well change the AC evaporater behind the heater core and that the two bolts are in the engine compartment at the firewall and then the other two are in the wheel well????????????? OK NOW i GET IT, PULRE FIND TWO MORE BOLTS AND REPLACE THE EVAPORATOR WHILE THE HEATER CORE IS OUT WHILE THE DASH IS OUT WHILE THE DASH COVER IS BEING REMOVED....... Not sure I have that many vacation days and would like to drive it a few days so not sure whether I want to get ripping things apart, as if I have trouble I will be on a flat bed truck to the car repair station to finish the job or just drive the car and enjoy the dash cover? Its not that bad, just would like to get it back to the original look!!!!
sorry so long I guess I will sleep on it. BB 78
in Forum: C3 Interior
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