Heater Core??

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pacuda59

pacuda59

pacuda59
Joined
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Backstory....About three years ago I ordered firewall gaskets in anticipation of pulling off the heater core, greasing the cables, etc. In the fall I drained the coolant, looped the heater hose to bypass it so I could work on it in the winter which never happened. Well, three years later when I took the car out of winter storage I drained the old coolant and reconnected the heater. When the thermostat opened up so did my core I think. I have a puddle on both drivers and passenger wells. No carpet in the car so it's not a big mess. Does this sound like the heater core? Does anyone have any advice for disassembling the box? I'm dealing with a 51 year old heater box that I'm sure is pretty fragile. Also, if it is the core, where should I order a new one?

Thanks
 
If I remember correctly the heater box is in 2 sections with a seal gasket between them. If I remember right the gasket was just compressed foam. The seam has a groove fit and is held together with about 10 strong “c” type spring clamps around the perimeter that can be pried off with a screw driver allowing the box half’s to separate. Some of them were difficult to reach under the dash but doable. The harder part for me was getting them back on. Be careful not to lose them. I also removed my fan and diverter door for rehab while I was in there.
I originally ordered a replacement core from Summit but had like a six week back order so I cancelled it and had one from NAPA the next day. I’d guess you can probably get one from Rock Auto too.
Good luck.
 
Rock Auto....40 bucks. Probably have good luck locally too.

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I just pulled down my heater box for the first time in my 65 Dart, got a replacement heater core from Napa. Make sure get a new gasket kit for the box from Jim at DMT.
 
Do your research here on heater cores, LOTS of new ones dont fit properly.
Also the clips holding the box halves together are VERY strong be careful removing them as you can break/crack the heater box housing. When we redid ours we made sure to "destress" the clips before reassembly. They were TIGHT! More than they needed to be.
Good luck.
 
when i did the 74' i had to adjust the tubes pretty severly. the angle was way off. it was either rock auto or napa, don't remember which
 
Take the front seat out. You'll thank me later. lol
 
Yeah you'll need the "heater box rebuild kit" also . the seals, foam, and cardboard that is in there all falling apart.
 
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