heater core replacement?

[4Cruizn]

So I am installing some sound deadener and new carpet in the hardtop and I haven't been able to work on it for about a week . . .  but when I went out today, I could see some antifreeze on the sound deadener passenger side floor!!      So much for having the new carpet in by today . . . . 

So my questions are . . .

Can I replace the heater core without removing the whole box? 
Is it better to remove the whole box?
How many screws hold that thing in there? 
Where can I get a replacement heater core? 
Could it just be a loose fitting?
Is there a rebuild kit for the box that will include all the gaskets and stuff? 

Thanks in advance for all the help . . . 

Oh yeah all most forgot . . . non A/C car! 

[Bullitt-]

You could have a hose loose under the hood causing the leak but that would be luck.
 It's actually easier to pull the whole box than do it in the car DAMHIK.

I got a replacement core from O'Reilly's  over night. 

 Other than the cables & wire there are only 4-fasteners, the three nuts around the blower motor on the firewall engine bay side & the well hidden J-Hook accessible through the passenger side vent opening.

Seal kits from http://www.detroitmuscletechnologies.com/  & our buddy http://www.rosevillemoparts.com/product_info.php/p/heater-box-seal-kit-1970-74-e-body/products_id/2646

Get the box out now & continue with the carpet while waiting for the parts to come.

[4Cruizn]

You could have a hose loose under the hood causing the leak but that would be luck.
Get the box out now & continue with the carpet while waiting for the parts to come.

Yeah . . I'm lucky but it's usually bad.  I don't think it is a hose leaking so I have to assume I am tearing it out.   Work on it tomorrow and see how it goes!  I was thinking I was going to get it out this week but not looking promising.   

[brads70]

Mine desided to go right after I installed the new carpet!     I replaced it in the car. Not the funnest job but do-able ( non A/C as  well)

[JayBee]

I just replaced my leaking core last week and didn't take the whole box out but the glove box has to come out. If you have a stereo crossover it would help to remove the ashtray too, it'll help when you have to put the crossover back.

Those clips that hold the 2 halves together were a pain. I ended up damaging the box a bit but not bad enough that the clips didn't hold on re-assembly.

From what I remember I removed all the clips except for the two by the right kick panel (mine only had the top one there, other one was missing), then the 4 screws that actually hold the core in and loosened the J-hook. The 2 halves separated enough to be able to pull the heater core out. It was a bit tough getting it to move because of the tight rubber seal at the firewall.

I bought mine from Federated last Semptember when I was in Ohio. Oh, and the mounting frame on my new one was 1/8 inch too wide so I used some sheet metal shears to cut it to width, make sure you compare the two together and you won't have to remove it twice like I did.   

[4Cruizn]

Mine desided to go right after I installed the new carpet!     I replaced it in the car. Not the funnest job but do-able ( non A/C as  well)

So where did you buy your replacement Core from?  Was it an exact replacement? 

[Slotts]

Hey Dave,

Here are the pictures that I was talking to you about yesterday. Both were made my TransPro, which are sold under names like Spectra Premium, Rad Ready, Ready Aire, and there are others that put their names on them.

Anyway, they have always been just fine until last month when I bought one for a friend overseas who needed one. Glad I opened and checked it against one I had sitting on the shelf for one of my "round tuit" projects. The paper work picture clearly shows the same numbers.

This latest version is made in S Korea and the other was made in Mexico. The newest one is completely made of aluminum, is larger and does not fit into the heater box cover. I bought both of those at Autozone. It was a special order and by showing them both heater cores and paper work, I was issued a refund.

I talked to MoparDave about this on Friday. He is looking into it and should have an answer for us. So, 4C Dave, I know you want to get this done, but don't want you to go through this debackle like I did.

















Slotts

[brads70]

So where did you buy your replacement Core from?  Was it an exact replacement?

I just went to my local auto parts supplier. It was a spectra  but fit in just like stock. It looked just like what came out?

[4Cruizn]

Some good info here . . Not sure what to do?   I guess I will wait to see what Mopardave has to say.   

[HP_Cuda]

Got to bring back this thread for a helping hand.

Does anyone have a pic of the J hook for a 70 Cuda so I can make one up for my heater?

Thanks,
Bryan