Heater Core 77

[Frank K.]

I have just found on my 77 a heater core leak. ( or flood) Where to buy best replacement? Also what are the quick steps to remove and replace no air car. Thanks Frank

[Pat H.]

Re: Heater Core 77

I just replaced one in a 71 BB. Bought it from CC and it need a little tweaking to get it to fit. I done 3 different cars and all suppliers claim they fit, but they don't fit like the original. Back when I had my 77, mine leaked and I had it repaired and it was fine. I don't think there are many shops that do that kind or work any more.
As for removal, you'll have to remove the passenger side lower dash to undo the vacuum hoses and undo the heater retainer bolts under the hood. The heater box inside the car contains the core. Be careful not to force anything or you may end up breaking the heater box.

[Joe L.]

Re: Heater Core 77

I just replaced one in a 71 BB. Bought it from CC and it need a little tweaking to get it to fit. I done 3 different cars and all suppliers claim they fit, but they don't fit like the original. Back when I had my 77, mine leaked and I had it repaired and it was fine. I don't think there are many shops that do that kind or work any more.
As for removal, you'll have to remove the passenger side lower dash to undo the vacuum hoses and undo the heater retainer bolts under the hood. The heater box inside the car contains the core. Be careful not to force anything or you may end up breaking the heater box.

Pat-------


The only ones that will fit as-original are the ones actually manufactured by Harrison Radiator Division and which have "Harrison" embossed on one of the tanks. Those have not been manufactured in a VERY long while. I'm not even sure that a re-cored unit using original tanks and a new bare core will fit as-original, because I'm not sure the new bare cores are exactly the same dimensions as original.

[Bob H.]

Re: Heater Core 77

One time when you are glad you don't have air conditioning!!

[Patrick B.]

Re: Heater Core 77

I just replaced one in a 71 BB. Bought it from CC and it need a little tweaking to get it to fit. I done 3 different cars and all suppliers claim they fit, but they don't fit like the original. Back when I had my 77, mine leaked and I had it repaired and it was fine. I don't think there are many shops that do that kind or work any more.
As for removal, you'll have to remove the passenger side lower dash to undo the vacuum hoses and undo the heater retainer bolts under the hood. The heater box inside the car contains the core. Be careful not to force anything or you may end up breaking the heater box.

The shop manual says you have to remove the center gage console and radio to get the heater box out. That creates the danger of breaking the delicate gage console casting. Were you able to do it without removing the center gages and radio? My 70 LT-1 Coupe just started to leak antifreeze on the floor and I'm considering whether to fix it or just consider it a heater delete car.

[Steve L.]

Re: Heater Core 77

I just finished putting my heater core together on my 73. It is possible to remove and replace without taking out the center gages and radio but it is much easier to do. If you do at least loosen the assy.

Be careful not to break the plastic heater duct at the center under the heater box. You don't have to take the duct off but it is not that robust.

While you have this duct off, check the foam pads on each side the flapper just behind the heater core. My pads disintegrated as soon as I touched them. Heater duct kits are available.

Also try and not break the 4 studs that hold the heater core to the firewall. These studs are riveted to the plastic heater core box and are a pain to re-install new ones.