1974 Center Console Removal

[Robert R.]

In order to replace the heater core in my 74 Corvette, I need to drop the center instrument cluster and am having trouble accessing the nuts that attach the center instrument cluster to the shifter console housing. I can find the studs but my hands are too big to fit under the radio in order to remove the nuts. Does anyone know a trick to remove/loosen the nuts Also, does anyone know the size of the nuts?

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1974 Center Console Removal

Do you need to remove the center, or just the right side dash?

The nuts you describe are best done by your wife who has small hands. You can try a variety of tools, but they are frustrating to get to and remove. Even worse is getting them back on without dropping them 58 times.

[Pat M.]

Re: 1974 Center Console Removal

Even worse is getting them back on without dropping them 58 times.

Yup. I replaced mine once on my 70. But not twice.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1974 Center Console Removal

I have not used this method myself, but I saw a trick on the internet somewhere (Here? Willcox? CF?) with photos showing a long 1/4" drive extension pushed up between the carpet and the side of the console to reach those nuts.

95% probability they're 1/4" or 5/16" hex.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1974 Center Console Removal

I have not used this method myself, but I saw a trick on the internet somewhere (Here? Willcox? CF?) with photos showing a long 1/4" drive extension pushed up between the carpet and the side of the console to reach those nuts.

95% probability they're 1/4" or 5/16" hex.

Yeah, with extensions, u-joints, etc. You can try it, but it isn't fun at all.

[Robert R.]

Re: 1974 Center Console Removal

Patrick, Thanks for your response. Believe it or not, I have removed these nuts on my other C3 2 years ago when I replaced the heater core in that car. I guess I had a brain f--t and couldn't remember how I did it, but Marks response and your advise reminded me that I used a long drive extension and a u-joint. It's still a difficult job, but doable. Thanks agin to you and Mark.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1974 Center Console Removal

Do you need to remove the center, or just the right side dash?

I don't know how removing the center stack improves access to the heater core either. Time to check the CSM.

[Greg S.]

Re: 1974 Center Console Removal

Loosening the two nuts is very difficult to do from the access panels on the front of the console. The nuts are 5/16 but are very thin. Lees than 1/8 inch tall. Very hard to keep the socket on them because of the tight spaces.

Here is the procedure I used to remove the console to replace a heater core in an air conditioned 75.
Remove the bolt at the rear of the center console. It is found on the bulkhead under the center storage compartment.
Remove the four screws at the side of the console so you can slide the console up and back enough to clear the rear of the console you are trying to remove. Now is a good time to replace the flexible slider for the parking brake if it is broken.
Remove the shift cover and boot by removing the four screws at the corners of the shift cover. Unhook the cigarette lighter and console light.
You will see the mount for the climate controls. It has two small screws holding it in place. Remove the two screws and work the mounting plate off of the controls. It is somewhat tricky to remove. You will just have to experiment with different angles to get it off.
Once the plate is off the climate controls you can move the assembly enough to allow access to the two nuts you are trying to reach. A quarter inch drive socket wrench with a tall 5/16 socket will give you enough reach to loosen the nuts. You may have to remove the vacuum lines to be able to move the climate control out of the way for the drivers side nut.
Loosen the nuts to the end of the threads. You can then lift up the rear of the shift console while sliding it back until the flange clears the studs and nuts.
Remove the shift console.
Remove the center instrument stack and right side dash.
Remove the three bolts form the heater box inside the car. Remove the nut on the firewall side from the fourth corner of the heater box.
Separate the heater box from the center duct assembly. There are three 1/4 inch bolts I believe. Once the center duct assembly is separated you can then remove the heater box to replace the core. Unless you are lucky the heater core ducts will be oriented incorrectly to get the bracket that holds the core on. May not be a problem if you don't have air-conditioning. The whole job is easier if you don't have air. I had a radiator shop remove the tube end from my old core and solder it to the new core.
This whole procedure is a PIA because of the tight spaces. Reverse procedure for reassembly. Get a seal kit before you start as all the foam seals will be shot
Happy wrenching.

Just by happenstance I had a heater core replaced in my 2014 Corvette under warranty at the same time I did the 75. The mechanic had to remove the dash and all its parts to the firewall, the seats, the steering wheel assembly, the shift assembly and console, the pedals, the left wheel shroud and I don't know what else. About a fifteen to twenty hour job for someone who knows what they are doing.

Maybe a C3 isn't so tough after all. LOL.

[Robert R.]

Re: 1974 Center Console Removal

Greg, Thanks for your response. You are correct. Air conditioned C3's require that you remove the instrument cluster in order to remove the center A/C duct. Non air conditioned cars do not. Your method of removing the cluster seems to be a good one and I will most likely try it. Thanks again, Bob