Heater/Radiator Hose Replacement

[73StangCoupe]

Gentlemen... looking for a little help, need to see how screwed I am. I had what I thought would be an easy project, except for the 110 degree heat index we're having. I drained the coolant, and was in the process of changing my red heater hoses back to black hoses (it really does look better black). I removed the hose that goes from the block to another hose that connects and then goes into the firewall with no problems. I then removed the other hose from the water pump and was attempting to get the other end removed from the firewall and out came attached to the hose is what looks like a short (about 4 inches long) copper pipe. I’m assuming it went in to the heater core? I’ve attached pictures. I also changed the radiator hoses. Here are some of my questions… 1) What was that attached to? 2) How can I get it back in? 3) Do I have to get it hooked back up in order to put the coolant back in? I know, stupid question. Please let me know what the best course of action should be at this point. Thanks in advance!!

 

[73 MACH 1 MAN]

Yep your screwed that copper pipe goes to the heater core and is soldered to unit. Lots of work ahead for you to replace it. It buried under the dash! SORRY :?(

 

[droptop73]

You COULD bypass the heater core for now. It doesn't sound like you need heat right away. Just loop a length odf heater hose from one engine fitting to the other. I ran mine that way for a while until I replaced the heater core.

 

[73StangCoupe]

I thought there would be a way to do a bypass. Would I run a hose from the water pump to the engine? I think i'm gonna just do the heater core replacement and be done with it. Thanks!

 

[droptop73]

The best plan would be to replace the core. Yes you would just run a loop from the engine to the water pump.

 

[73StangCoupe]

Thanks... I just can't imagine doing that project in this heat. The weather won't get any better until Oct. I also planned on replacing the carpet, installing some good sound deadener and replacing some bulbs later this year, so I'm just going to tie the two projects together. I just got done installing the bypass, seems to work okay. Got her upto temp and the guage looks to be in the same place it gets to normally.