How do you change a heater core in a 1968-1982 Corvette with air conditioning?
Today’s Zip Corvette technical question is one that many 1968-1982 Corvette owners have asked when their heater system stopped working properly:
How do you change the heater core in an A.C. equipped Corvette?
Answer: 1968-1982 Corvette heater cores typically begin leaking due to a breakdown in materials dropping anti-freeze and coolant on your Corvette’s carpet. This is not a pretty sight. Removal of the heater core takes place from inside your Corvette. First the RH side lower dash pad must be removed, then access can be gained to the inner heater box. Remove all duct work (windshield defrost, floor duct, side ducts, etc.). The main inner heater box is supported to the firewall by 4 to 6 studs, these stud plates are riveted to the inner heater box. By removing the nut on the opposite side of the firewall, the inner box can be removed from the Corvette. The heater core is mounted with straps inside the inner heater box. Once the inner box is removed from the Corvette, the heater core can be replaced and reassembly can begin. At this time it is also a good idea to replace all the seals in your Corvette’s heater & air condition system. Seal kits for 68-77 & 78-82 Corvettes include duct work seals, inner box seals, heater/ac flapper door seals and firewall mount seals for internal and external heater boxes. Replacing these seals not only improves your Corvette’s heater & AC performance, but also eliminates air drafts which are common on all C3 Corvettes.
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I am having a problem with my 1977 Corvette heater A/C. While driving the whole system shuts down leaving me with no a/c and no fan. I have cheked the fuse panel under the dash on the drivers side, looks OK , the 2nd fuse is in an inline holder that feeds the A/C relay. Problem is that I cannot locate the inline fuse and relay. Can you tell me were they are located? Also is there any other item that would cause this type of problem?
Trevor,
Is the A/C clutch cutting off or just the fan? The relay is located on the A/C heat box near the valve cover.
Heat keeps pouring into the cockpit thru the ducts even if the controls are off. What is the fix?
Thank you
Mike
Mike,
Your problem is most likely with your Corvette’s Water Shut Off Valve. Replacing this valve should help with the heat coming into your Corvette’s interior.