'65 Riv heater core

[Rivdrivn]

So, now my heater core appears to be leaking. The engine is in but the front clip is still off. Any tips on how best to replace it?

[RivNut]

There are a couple of ways. Each is listed in the 'Tech Tips' in the members only section on the ROA's website. The best way is still taking it from under the dash.

Ed

[Carbuff2]

I have done both methods ....... under the dash is time consuming and there is a greater chance of getting things back together incorrectly or breaking some items due to the amount that has to be removed to accomplish ..... From the engine compartment, minimal careful cutting of the firewall and the job is done in 25% of the time and properly done, no one can tell which way you replaced your heater core. (best if engine is out which mine was) If I ever do another that is my preferred method. Paul

[steelman]

When you get the core out, have yours rebuilt at a good radiator shop. The new reproductions do not fit an A/C car. May or may not fit a non-A/C car, but will not fit an A/C car. You know the one you have in there fits. Rebuild it and put it back in.

[OldGerman]

I have done both methods ....... under the dash is time consuming and there is a greater chance of getting things back together incorrectly or breaking some items due to the amount that has to be removed to accomplish ..... From the engine compartment, minimal careful cutting of the firewall and the job is done in 25% of the time and properly done, no one can tell which way you replaced your heater core. (best if engine is out which mine was) If I ever do another that is my preferred method. Paul

Hi Paul,

Is it easy to locate from the engine compartment, where the heater core sits behind the firewall ?

How do you know exact location of the firewall cutout ?

Have you / anybody else taken a photo of this ?

Thank you.

Frank

[Eric's.64.Superwildcat]

I took mine out through the dash on my '64. It may be time consuming but the advantage is that its just straightforward disassembly. Take the seats out so you can make yourself comfortable while working and just take your time. While I had things out I got them all cleaned up and painted. Since I was in no hurry it didn't matter how many weekends it took.

[Carbuff2]

If you remove the blower assembly, you can remove a large cover and you can see the heater core. Once you see that you can determine how much to cut to remove the core through the opening. Do not cut more than 3/8s of an inch so that when the cover is reinstalled it will cover everything and there is no evidence that anything below was cut. You will have to remove the foam/rubber spacer that keeps the core tight and when re-installed I just put some weatherstripping rubber to keep it snug. Not nearly as difficult as from inside. I saw a person disassemble everything from inside worked almost one week whenever he had time, got frustrated and sold the car ........ never re-assembled it. Anyway, the Riview has step by step instructions with photographs, but once started you will see what you have to do. Good luck. Paul

[Crazy4cruz]

So, I too am in the midst of a heater core replacement.  I'm doing mine from the inside since I had already removed the interior to put in new carpeting.  My question is where to purchase one if the old one can't be rebuilt?  I've searched and can find one at OPGI for $156 but can also find one listed on RockAuto for $65.  Why would there be such a huge price difference?  Anyone have any good experience on buying one new?

[Pat Curran]

If you do take it out from the inside, be careful not to break the 2 mounting tabs at the top of the console where it meets and slides up under the dash.  The plastic is very brittle and breaks easily.  Some do not realize they are there and pull the console when they think all connections have been removed, thus snapping the tabs.  Without the tabs, the console never sits right and remains lose where it meets the dash unless you jury rig it in some fashion.  If you don't have the shop manual as a guide, then I strongly suggest you get one before you start the project.  Good luck!

 

This is for first gen Rivs only.

Edited July 7, 2015 by Pat Curran (see edit history)

[1965rivgs]

If you do take it out from the inside, be careful not to break the 2 mounting tabs at the top of the console where it meets and slides up under the dash.  The plastic is very brittle and breaks easily.  Some do not realize they are there and pull the console when they think all connections have been removed, thus snapping the tabs.  Without the tabs, the console never sits right and remains lose where it meets the dash unless you jury rig it in some fashion.  If you don't have the shop manual as a guide, then I strongly suggest you get one before you start the project.  Good luck!

 

This is for first gen Rivs only.

When re-assembling secure the console to the floor before tightening the fasteners at the "ears" Pat is referring to...if you are not satisfied with the "fit" at the dash shim the console, dont force the fasteners at the ears.

  Tom

[steelman]

So, I too am in the midst of a heater core replacement.  I'm doing mine from the inside since I had already removed the interior to put in new carpeting.  My question is where to purchase one if the old one can't be rebuilt?  I've searched and can find one at OPGI for $156 but can also find one listed on RockAuto for $65.  Why would there be such a huge price difference?  Anyone have any good experience on buying one new?

Richard, when I bought my car, the heater core was bypassed, so I assumed it was bad. It was. I bought a used one off evil bay and it was bad too. Bought a new one from Old Air Products. It didn't fit. As stared earlier, the repos fit non air cars. My car has air, so it was as no go. Ended up having a new core put in my original unit. I knew it fit. All they need are the end tanks, so hard to believe yours can't be rebuilt.

[Crazy4cruz]

Richard, when I bought my car, the heater core was bypassed, so I assumed it was bad. It was. I bought a used one off evil bay and it was bad too. Bought a new one from Old Air Products. It didn't fit. As stared earlier, the repos fit non air cars. My car has air, so it was as no go. Ended up having a new core put in my original unit. I knew it fit. All they need are the end tanks, so hard to believe yours can't be rebuilt.

 

Steve,

 

Don't know for sure if mine can or can't be rebuilt at this point.  It was in pretty bad shape when i pulled it out but haven't taken it in yet to see.  Was more so just curious what others have experienced with purchasing new in case mines too far gone, and seemed odd that there would be such huge differences in price between vendors. My Riv has AC and I've also read multiple posts about new cores not having long enough inlet and outlet tubes and assorted other issues.  Was hoping that someone might have found a good "new" replacement core.