I need a few tips for replacing a heater core in a '72 with factory A/C. I have purchased a new Delco core but need tips on putting it in. I have seen it done on other cars, but never done it myself. I am very mechanically inclined, just want some tips to speed the process and possibly keep me from breaing any parts that I am not sure how to disassemble. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks - Kevin

Kevin,
I'm not sure about a '72, but I've got a '70 ElCam. that needs one replaced and a very good mechanic I asked said that its not real tough, just tedious (as in time consuming).
The unit pulls off from the inside and the blower and its cowling may have to be removed to access the fastners that hold it to the firewall. The difficult part is that some of the fasteners are only accessible from behind the inner fender well which will require that you pull the tire and drop the fender well enough to allow access.
I'm not looking forward to this job, but I'm sure glad I live in coastal San Diego. Let me know if this is how yours works and how it goes for you. Thanks, Findrivr@Concentric.net

I just did this job on a 70 w/o air.

hard = no
tedious = yes

I didn't have to remove the tire, but I did loosen the inner fender well. I removed all bolts except the front which hold it to the rad core support. I could get the blower box out this way. You shouldn't need to remove the blower box at all, which may make you life easier considering your a/c. The nuts that hold the heater box to the blower box (through the firewall) are the stamped self threading type. You can get replacements if yours are old and tired at Pep Boys or some such automotive center.

Words of advice:
Use a turkey baster with a slipped on hose extension to get as much coolant out of the heater core as possible.

Remove the passenger side seat (I have buckets). this makes access to the heat core box MUCH easier. Doing it out side where you can swing the door fully open also helps.

As far as dealing with a/c components in the way I have no experience dealing with such.

I just replace a heater core on a '72 El Camino w/o air.

I removed the plastic inner fender to get access to the two bolts by the blower motor. This allowed for complete access to the blower assembly.

After I removed the heater box and replaced the core, I found that I could not get the bolts on the heater box to allign with the bolts on the firewall.

The solution was to remove one of the clips to allow the heater core the position itself.
Once installed, I replace the clip.

Good luck,


Tom.