Installing a heater core in a 1972 Satellite with A/C. Help?

DeLorean00 · Post by **DeLorean00** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 8:03 pm

I'm got a new heater core for my 1972 Satellite with A/C. I'm going to install it but I wanted to know if anyone has done this before and has some tips. I took out the glove box and can see the heater box but thats as far as I got. Anyone got some tips, advise, or tell me where to start??

Thanks in advance!!
-Chris

PS- AC is disconnected so no worry about freon loss.

aerodynamic · Post by **aerodynamic** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:25 pm

Well, I can't speak for anyone else, but when I did the heater core on my first car years ago, I removed the heater box like you're trying to do. It was very brittle and every time I pried and tugged I broke something. I know it comes out if you wrestle with it enough (mine did), but the next time I do one I'm pulling the dash out of the car first. In reality it shouldn't take more than an hour to get the dash off, it's really not hard if you have help and are careful. Then the box is right there with no fighting at all.

DeLorean00 · Post by **DeLorean00** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:43 pm

Ok I will try to do it this weekend. I have not had a chance to get back in the garage to work on it. I am a little worried about this job.

-Chris

aerodynamic · Post by **aerodynamic** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:33 am

Well, IF you decide to pull the dash, do yourself a favor and mark each wire you disconnect with masking tape. Label each with the component it was attached to (ie brake light switch, door switch ect) or if it's connected to another connector, just give both ends the same number (1-1,2-2, ect). Many of the connectors will connect in more than one place, and if you hook up to the wrong thing when you are putting it back together you might find you're suddenly sitting in the smoking section! Wiring diagrams are available, but it's kinda tedious doing it that way, and some of the diagrams vary a bit, especially depending on options.

Post by **bruce** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 9:17 am

It really is easier to pull the dash first beforehand... Sounds like a lot of work, but it's really not THAT bad.

72RoadRunnerGTX · Post by **72RoadRunnerGTX** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 3:11 pm

I my humble experience, on an A/C car, removing the dash completely is the only way to get at the heater box. I strongly advice that the dash wiring be disconnected at the bulkhead connector(removing the connector from the firewall), jam switches, and drivers kick panel as to be removed with the dash intact. Steering column will need to be dropped prior to removing the dash or completely removed. BTW there is a gasket kit available now for that heater box from http://shop.detroitmuscletechnologies.c ... oductId=73

DeLorean00 · Post by **DeLorean00** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:30 pm

I am a bit worried about all the wiring due to the fact the last owner wired in the Rally Gauges and I dont want to mess anything up. Look like it will be a big job.

72RoadRunnerGTX · Post by **72RoadRunnerGTX** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:59 pm

Hereâ€™s the procedure as the factory service manual describes it. It would appear there is a way to do it without removing the dash.

DeLorean00 · Post by **DeLorean00** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:14 pm

Wow thats AWESOME!! Thanks for the picture! I am printing it out now and am going to study it!!

-Chris

rr6pak · Post by **rr6pak** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:37 pm

DeLorean..If you dont have the maint manuals, it's a good idea to get a set. Alot of info in there

72Rdrnner · Post by **72Rdrnner** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 11:08 pm

DeLorean00 wrote:I am a bit worried about all the wiring due to the fact the last owner wired in the Rally Gauges and I dont want to mess anything up. Look like it will be a big job.

Take your time, take PICTURES....LOTS of THEM...you cannot take TOO MANY. Tag each part, TAKE more PICTURES!

Trust me TAKE PICTURES then it's real easy to get it all back togther the same way it came apart.

There's not a lot of "wiring" in the heat & a/c plenum itself. Mostly doors that direct the flow. Externally the big thing is all the vacuum actuators. I've done two completely, both had heat and a/c so I had to deal with a heater core and an evaporator.

I have a FSM and I also found one on eBay that's a CD. The CD is the best as you can print out the applicable pages, and when you're done, toss them out!

Like I said...TAKE A LOT OF PICUTRES...and you'll do just fine!

DeLorean00 · Post by **DeLorean00** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 11:16 pm

Thanks!! I will start on that project soon. I have been finishing up a few other details then I'm going to jump into the heater core. I will take lots of pictures!! Good advise!! I just want to finish the other projects I have started, I hate having to many things going on the car at the same time.

72Rdrnner · Post by **72Rdrnner** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 11:25 pm

DeLorean00 wrote:Thanks!! I will start on that project soon. I have been finishing up a few other details then I'm going to jump into the heater core. I will take lots of pictures!! Good advise!! I just want to finish the other projects I have started, I hate having to many things going on the car at the same time.

Just thought of something else.

While I did not take my dash out, the steering column, center console, seats, doors and all interior panels had been removed. It wasn't that much trouble, but...if I had it to do over, I'd probably pull the dash out.

The entire plenum is bulky, pretty heavy and hard to horse around, especially if you're doing it by yourself. It fastens through the firewall with a couple of braces up to the dash board frame.

Oh yeah, did I mention...TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES!

FWIW my resto project took 3 years and I have nearly 4000 pictures of it.