decisions decisions 67 coronet non ac heater box removal

[1carlover]

I really didn't plan to get into it this far but now that the dash is out I was trying to decide if I should go all the way and remove the heater box for cleaning and heater core testing. If I do decide to remove it which I have not done on a mopar before is it unbolted from the firewall side then removed for further disassembly or do I remove all the little screws from the heater box itself and it is disassembled from the inside. Any help on this would be appreciated.

 

[clemul]

There are 3 nuts that secure it in the engine compartment and 1 strut/nut on front cover under dash. It should be pulled out completely, it will most likely be filled with debris and all foam will be decayed. Disconnect heater core inlet/outlet lines and tilt box so you dont spill residual coolant on removal.DMT makes a great rebuild kit, i suggest the "big" one, and Glen ray does a heater core recore and uses old frame.It is worth it to send it to him. A lot of the replacements don't fit properly. Any major stress cracks in fiberglass can be repaired with fiberglass repair kit from a marine store, minor ones can be be fixed with the Devcon 5 minute clear epoxy gel.

http://www.detroitmuscletechnologies.com/66-70-b-body-big-heater-box-restoration-kit/

http://www.restorationradiators.com/heatercoreresto.htm

I used the high temp spray adhesive listed on this page to secure foam:
http://www.restorick.com/products.asp?cat=9&pg=2

 

[1carlover]

I love this site especially with all the Mopar specific information contained herein. It also helps me to keep motivated on this over the top PIA project that this car has become. The information in your reply is exactly what I needed to know to make an informed decision on whether this is something that should be done now rather than later. Fortunately the interior is still apart, the steering column is out being rebuilt, the dash is on my workbench and prepped for paint and a nice used original harness is ready to go in along with new heater controls so I might as well go all the way and do this resto right.

 

[clemul]

DMT also has firewall/kickpanel and under dash "shoddy pad" you might want to replace at this time. Also laying down some Dynamat or equivalent sound/thermal barrier on firewall and floor might be a plus..

 

[1carlover]

Thanks for your input. I have already started with the shoddy pad and waiting for the firewall, kick panel and rebuild kit to arrive. I removed the heater box this morning as well as the heater core and have to admit it was the right thing to do. I'm not happy about the additional t and m I'm still throwing at this thing but better to do it now rather than later.

 

[clemul]

Almost forgot, now would be a good time to reach up through the lower cowl fresh air openings with a small camera or by touch inspect for rust in this problem area.

 

[1carlover]

Im happy to report there is only surface rust in that area.