Heater core removal tips appreciated

[Fish Tale]

I have removed my radiator from my 71 Cuda for repair work and now I am going to tackle removing the heater core and have it repaired as well.  Currently, they are not selling new heater cores for cars w/AC.  Hence why I am going to hopefully get it repaired.

Does the entire heater box need to be removed or can the front cover be removed to gain access to the core?  Does the glove box need to come out for better access?

Anyhow, I was hoping to get some input from those that have removed heater cores in the past.  Thanks for your time.   

[73_Cuda_4_Me]

The whole box had to come out in my 73 when I changed mine. It really wasn't too bad of a job, but I took front seats out...

[dakota]

I completely removed the box from my 70 Challenger.   Most of the foam seals inside and at the firewall had disintegrated and needed to be replaced.  IMO the only way to do it right is to pull it.

I used Glen-Ray Radiators to rebuild my heater core.   They are very friendly and did a nice job.   For example, they fixed a slight crimp in the outlet piping (from an overtightened hose clamp) without even being asked.   Total cost was $102 including shipping back to me.

www.restorationradiators.com

There are several sources for gasket and seal kits.   I used these folks:

www.detroitmuscletechnologies.com

The instruction booklet that came with the DMT kit was very thorough.


You see a picture of the crap that came out of my heater box here:

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=95985.30

Page down a little bit from the above link and you can see a picture of the refurbished heater core.


Good luck!

[anlauto]

Year One has heater cores for A/C cars...I just bought two.

[Fish Tale]

I completely removed the box from my 70 Challenger.   Most of the foam seals inside and at the firewall had disintegrated and needed to be replaced.  IMO the only way to do it right is to pull it.

I used Glen-Ray Radiators to rebuild my heater core.   They are very friendly and did a nice job.   For example, they fixed a slight crimp in the outlet piping (from an overtightened hose clamp) without even being asked.   Total cost was $102 including shipping back to me.

www.restorationradiators.com

There are several sources for gasket and seal kits.   I used these folks:

www.detroitmuscletechnologies.com

The instruction booklet that came with the DMT kit was very thorough.


You see a picture of the crap that came out of my heater box here:

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=95985.30

Page down a little bit from the above link and you can see a picture of the refurbished heater core.


Good luck!

dakota -  do you remember how long the core rebuild took from getting it shipped, rebuilt, and back to you?

[dakota]

I think it was just a matter of a week or two from shipping to return. They mailed it back to me with the comment to drop a check in the mail to pay for everything when I had the chance - basically a handshake deal.  There aren't too many vendors that would do that any more.  It's another reason that I'm happy to recommend them.

[js29no]

Same experience I had, but with A complete radiator and shroud.