Changing the heater core in my '73.

[cazsper]

When I purchased my '73, the heater core was bypassed because it leaked. I would like to replace it but have never done one before. Is it difficult? It's a '73 with AC but it doesn't have any if the AC stuff connected. Are all the replacement cores more it less the same or are there better ones out there? Thanks..

Mike

 

[jeff8877]

Tons of threads on this subject...do a search for heater core.

I did mine by following the shop manual step by step...was not difficult but took a good amount of time. Lots of stuff needs to be removed to gain access to get the box out. A/C cars are the hardest because box has to come out. Non A/C cars have an access panel to replace core which makes it real easy.

 

[rocket366]

+1

I did a thread how to

 

[cazsper]

Since I have an AC car but don't plan to use it, can I replace my box with a non-AC box? Or is it all different?

 

[Omie01]

They are different boxes. I had to buy the repop heater core/ac box, and dont plan to run the ac. I have to figure out how to make the heat work, there are a lot of vacuum lines and stuff that operate the heater/ac system.

 

[71mach1lady]

Maybe it is because we are in Arizona but I don't understand why you would take out the AC especially to go through all the trouble to change out the box. What is the benefit of removing it?

 

[cazsper]

Maybe it is because we are in Arizona but I don't understand why you would take out the AC especially to go through all the trouble to change out the box. What is the benefit of removing it?

Well, I don't have any if the AC stuff under the hood and in the California Bay Area, it doesn't get that hot that I can't just open the windows. I just thought it would be easier to replace what I have with a non AC box for simplicity.

 

[sdstang]

Here's a video that goes step by step. A must watch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SubvM762z0g

 

[cazsper]

Thank you everyone..

 

[mpbsr]

Here's a video that goes step by step. A must watch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SubvM762z0g

I'm still in shock after watching only part of it.

This is not for the faint of heart.

 

[73StangCoupe]

Thank you everyone..

cazsper... you can do this. It is a pretty big job, but it really doesn't take a lot of mechanical skills... I did it... without a how to. I did it as part of my interior refresh, so I had everything ripped out of the car. I took my time, took lots of pictures, bagged and marked every part, nut and bolt very carefully and got it done. My car is not a daily driver so I could really take my time. Good Luck!

 

[jbojo]

Its really easier than it looks. I was dreading it but after I started things went really smoothly. I would rebuild the AC box even if you don't put the AC back. If you ever sell it and the AC is there you might find a buyer a little easier. Never know, you might wind up in AZ and wish that you did

 

[piper62j]

I'm interested in buying the AC box (complete w/everything) if you decide to sell it..

 

[Jim and Jutta]

Watched the video, WOW, looks like one of those jobs where you end up with spare parts that you have no ideal where they came from, after you get done putting it back together.

 

[mrmach1]

It's a pain but I changed mine by dropping the heater box. I first took out the passengers seat and the center console. Then disconnected the hoses from the engine compartment. Then the control vacuum lines and took out the glove box. I unbolted the heater box and took it out completely. I installed the new core and reassembled everything. It took me about 2 hours and I never want to do it again. Ever.