C2 Heater Core Replacement with A/C!!!

[James W.]

Just found that I will be get to replace the heater core in my 1965 coupe that has air conditioning. I found a few drops of coolant on the passengers side floor mat this afternoon.

I've replaced the heater core on my non a/c equipped 1964 convertible and it was a relatively easy. I'd like to hear all the good and the bad about changing one in a car with a/c AND and any short cuts or tricks to making things easier.

One question I do have is does the a/c evap unit have to be removed on the engine side? Can I just remove the nuts that hold the inner and outer boxes to the firewall in order to remove the inside heater core unit without removing the outer a/c evap unit?

Also, is the more expensive AC-Delco heater core that can be purchased from Doc Rebuild fit better than the less expensive replacement heater cores that he offers? I guess I'd like to know what the difference in the two are.

Thanks,

James West

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 Heater Core Replacement with A/C!!!

James,
I have no experience with the heater core replacement but I would encourage you to also rebuild the AC heater air distribution box while it is outof the car. I hear the Doc Rebuild gasket kit is very good. I have a 66 with AC so I feel your pain. The good news is you have all winter

regards

Randy

[Phil P.]

Re: C2 Heater Core Replacement with A/C!!!

buy a heater core from your local parts house and have the harrison end caps from your original one put on the new one,cost me $20 for the radiator shop to do it nad pressure test---the inlet / outlet tubes will match up---i've bought, from various vendors,the heater core and have found the tubes don't line up,ended up doing what i suggested and it fit perfect and i still had the org. harrison look---good luck,phil

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 Heater Core Replacement with A/C!!!

Hi James:

Last winter I rebuilt my 67 A/C but ran out of time to do the heater core. This winter I plan to go back and do the heater core, so maybe we can compare notes as we go along.

The entire A/C evaporator assembly is completely independent of the heater core except for a small plate that covers where the heater core tubes come through the firewall. That plate shares a couple stud nuts with the evaporator. These are easily removed.

So, I *think* the heater core replacement will be somewhat independent of the fact that the car has A/C. There are more control cables on the under-dash distribution box and there is an A/C vacuum valve and a relay under there, but I don't think any of these present significant problems. I suppose I will find out in January.

[Jim P.]