1968 Heater Core

[Larry M.]

I have to change a heater core in a 68 coupe 327-350hp without AC. Is it a hard job? Thanks for any info........

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 Heater Core

I have to change a heater core in a 68 coupe 327-350hp without AC. Is it a hard job? Thanks for any info........

Larry-----


Yes, it's somewhat difficult but very do-able. If you've never done it before, you can count on spending 6-8 hours to complete it.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1968 Heater Core

Larry I have a 68 with no factory air, but have not had to change out the heater core yet, could happen at any time since it has never been changed. I have changed the heater core in my 1970 with factory air. Just take your time, it does not have to be done in one day when done in your garage or driveway. If you are going to change anti-freeze this would be a good time to remove your drain block bolts and drain the engine of all coolant. This procedure is recommended in the 68's owners manual.

The heater core comes out from inside your 68 the housing on the firewall is not removed. Just looked at my 68 since the dash pad is already out. Saw two bolts on the top and two on the bottom securing the housing to the inside firewall. The vertical defroster vent housing has to be unbolted from the main unit. The air distributing housing behind the radio has a screw to be removed with access to this screw from the drivers side.

Having a lot of patience will be an asset in doing a heater core replacement.

[Jeff P.]

Re: 1968 Heater Core

Yeah lots of patiences is the key to this repair. take the seat out

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 Heater Core

take the seat out

...and don't gash the interior door panel with the seat track brackets when removing the seat.

[Paul H.]

Re: 1968 Heater Core

I just did the heater core on my 65. It's a PITA. The dash needs to come out. My 68 just started leaking a couple of months ago. I did not feel like doing this again and bypassed it.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 Heater Core

I just did the heater core on my 65. It's a PITA. The dash needs to come out. My 68 just started leaking a couple of months ago. I did not feel like doing this again and bypassed it.

Paul-----


Think it's bad in a 1965 or 1968? Try a C4.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1968 Heater Core

Larry, to add to what is already said, You should change out the hoses, and when you do remove the box, take a look at the door and box seals, these can be had at Doc Rebuild.


Larry if you have a shop manuel for 68 it should spell out the step by step. its a nice weekend job for a first timer. and no better way to learn than to try it. Here are a few tips- Once you have all the housing bolts removed, be careful as the fibeglass housing can break. it will be stuck to the firewall. there are through studs that are on the outside of box in engine compartment and hex head bolts from the inside.

[Pat M.]

Re: 1968 Heater Core

Larry I changed the core in my 70 w/out AC for the first time a few years ago and it wasn't that bad. Although it was stretched over a couple of days while the core was repaired, the actual work time wasn't more than a few hours, maybe 4-5. I did have to take the dash out, but not the seat. Good luck.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 Heater Core

Larry I changed the core in my 70 w/out AC for the first time a few years ago and it wasn't that bad. Although it was stretched over a couple of days while the core was repaired, the actual work time wasn't more than a few hours, maybe 4-5. I did have to take the dash out, but not the seat. Good luck.

Pat-----


The seat does not have to be removed. However, it makes it easier to work in the car if it is removed, especially because it's so easy to remove. It also provides an opportunity to "rotate" the seats if one also removes the driver seat. I've "rotated" my seats for years to even out the wear considering that it's the driver's side that gets the most "sittin' in".

[Pat M.]

Re: 1968 Heater Core

Pat-----


The seat does not have to be removed. However, it makes it easier to work in the car if it is removed, especially because it's so easy to remove. It also provides an opportunity to "rotate" the seats if one also removes the driver seat. I've "rotated" my seats for years to even out the wear considering that it's the driver's side that gets the most "sittin' in".

All true Joe. And I started rotating my seats a few years ago after reading you make this great observation.