1979 Heater Core Replacement With A/c

[Paul S.]

HOW MANY HOURS WOULD YOU SAY IT TAKES TO INSTALL A HEATER CORE IN A 79(WITH A/C) . THE CAR IS ON THE FRAME NOT DISASSEMBLED, MOTOR STILL IN IT, ETC. . I HAVE SOME ONE WHO WANTS ME TO DO IT AND I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE HIM AN ESTIMATE . THANKS!!!

[Jeff D.]

Re: 1979 Heater Core Replacement With A/c

I have done a few and it takes me around 8 hours. I take the whole dash out. Really not much fun since I don't like doing interior work.

[Robert S.]

Re: 1979 Heater Core Replacement With A/c

I am about 2/3 done replacing the heater core on my 74' with AC. My experience may apply to your 79'. I would guesstimate it took me about 5 manhours over 2 days to get the the actual heater core in my hand. It was then the start of winter and, over several weeks, I invested maybe 10 or more manhours on cleaning the removed parts, doing some minor part repairs and in replacing the seals on the various duct work connections. The most work went into cleaning and repairing the pot metal plate to which the heater core attaches and in doing some rework to this plate as the replacment heater core is every so slightly different than the original in construction and tube angles. I am in the process of reassembly which has proven very tedious due to the difficulty in reassembling the ductwork with the new seals installed and in working around one of the hidden braces behind the drivers side instrument panel (which I think is unique to convertibles). Others might view this task differently but I would say at least 20 manhours.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1979 Heater Core Replacement With A/c

If my memory serves me, Motors flatrate is about 5.4 hours. 6 would be a good number Paul