I tried to install a new heather core in my 1968 Convertible Firebird (with out air). I followed the Chiltons and 68 service manual to a tee, but after I could not line up the intake and outtake tubes the the fire wall holes I tried to bend one of the copper tubes and broke it off. Frustrated I ordered a new one. Upon doing a dry run to line up the copper tubes with the fire wall I noticed the way the tubes are bent and the narrow placement of the tubes they will never go through the fire wall holes. The only thing I can think of doing which would work but would be labor intensive would be take off the fender and blower housing. What is your experience on the install of a Heater Core. Need your input. Newbie to wrenching, first mid life crisis project. Thks guys.

A friend of mine just had the same issue in replacing mine and split the unit from trying to put it in. I will ask him what he ended up doing

Thanks

Wouter posted a real nice link a couple of years ago with tons of pictures. Try an advanced search.

This might be it...

https://firstgenfirebird.org/forums/ubbth...true#Post123734

There are several different cores available, different for A/C and non A/C cars, and many built for Camaro are passed off as for Firebird. Find the correct part and it will fit properly in the existing holes.

Do you have the correct PN Vikki?
I've replaced a couple of these in my 69 over the years and it's never been easy. It never fit and after twisting and turning and pushing I'm always amazed when it finally goes through with out busting the one lower curved neck off. If there is one that fits better I'll get one next time. Possibly all mine have been maro replacements.

I've been lucky in that I've been able to scrounge up cores and have them resoldered. There are some out there that fit, I've seen them installed, but haven't had to hunt them out myself. Try Jim Schiro at Next Generation, he should have a lead on new ones or perhaps some good originals. 586 336 1930

I cut the opening larger so the pipes could clear it easier.

You either man handle the tubes or do it from the engine side, which is where it went in at the factory. Unfortunately, that requires removing the fender to get the outer case off.

It seems most of the ones being sold now need the top tube resoldered to get the angle right. They wont clear the outside cover out of the box.

Sounds correct!!!

It's tight but with a little light bending, profuse swear words, cold beer breaks and ibuprofen I got mine in.

"Help installing a heater core"

No, not gon'a do it.
Once was enough.

What he said. I had to remove the tube on my old one and solder to the new one.

I got my from Ames. Fit perfectly.

To all who replayed thank you for the advise, Will keep you posted on my actions to get this thing in, but am pretty sure I will not take off the hood and fender to do it.

No need to. it will go if its the right one. Grudgingly....

Update
I took my Dremel and cut a small portion of the firewall to help with the clearence of the copper pipes, but by myself and two hours non stop I gave up and bypassed the heater hoses with a 5/8ths by 1/2" connector. I could have got it if I had another set of hands. We had some nice weekend weather for November + had insurance on the car so I was able to drive it a few more times before storing it. Will deal with this again in 2012.

I cannot speak for all problems, but one problem has nothing to do with ac wo/ac cores. There are two listings for a stand alone 9, and a 9-81 listing. The mock is a 9-81, and the install is stand alone 9.

On this particular fit issue, it seems similar to the early-late 9 waterpump issue.

Hi
I don't understand the listing that you are talking about. Is it from a catalog that you are talking about. The 9 or 9-81? please let me know. Thanks for the reply and photos.
Mark L

Yup, that was the one. I put it back on top and suggested to put it in the hall of fame section, since every year or so the question pops up....

There must be a difference between the 67 and 68 heater installation. Here's mine.

The heater core is intalled in the box, not on the firewall.


You can see where the factory allowed for the bent tubes to clear on the firewall here. The blower box on the firewall has to come off to allow the tubes to pass. This means, hood and fender off!