easiest way to change heater core for fox
- Thread starter chacho44
- Start date
RSWANNABE
Forum Member
I contemplated this several times and always just went without heat.
My craziest idea was just to use a dremel and cut the front of the housing out. Replace core and 2 part epoxy back in place.
Best of luck as this will suck IMO
No easy way around it. Dash and steering column and you will still be busting knuckles and cursing. I tried to just loosen a few things and pry my way in but it just can't be done. Ironically have not used the heat since changing it in the fall of 2009! Just bypass it and save yourself the headache.
mikesfastss
Club Member
Yea its called a shop lol.
hangemhigh
Club Member
Step one....remove front seats...
Step two....Become exasperated and pm Hangemhigh with "buy-it-now" price.
Step two....Become exasperated and pm Hangemhigh with "buy-it-now" price.
Ponyryd
Forum Member
No magic to it, its at least a 4 hour job start to finish, slightly less with a helper, not a horrible job, but no fun thats for aure.
Seats can stay in, move them both all the way back, drop the column to the floor (disconnect battery if airbag-equipped), remove console, discharge air, disconnect heater core and blow through with compressed air (watch yourself) to avoid spilling on carpet. After that you can loosen all the dash bolts and the wiring on the pass side, the dash can stay in but be tilted away from the pass side, I use a prop, or ratchet strap to keep it out of the way. The a/c bottle needs to be removed, as well as the bracket, there are three or 4 bolts that mount the box to the firewall under the hood, once those are removed the box can come out and the core can be replaced.
Seats can stay in, move them both all the way back, drop the column to the floor (disconnect battery if airbag-equipped), remove console, discharge air, disconnect heater core and blow through with compressed air (watch yourself) to avoid spilling on carpet. After that you can loosen all the dash bolts and the wiring on the pass side, the dash can stay in but be tilted away from the pass side, I use a prop, or ratchet strap to keep it out of the way. The a/c bottle needs to be removed, as well as the bracket, there are three or 4 bolts that mount the box to the firewall under the hood, once those are removed the box can come out and the core can be replaced.
OldbutNew
Club Member
There is no "easy" way. You just have to get in there and do it. A small pair of hands to get some of those connectors under the dash would come in handy.
I pulled the seats just to make room for my fat ass. And so I wouldn't rip, stain, or bleed on them.
Next thing I knew, this was the state of my car:
Honestly: It all started with replacing the heater core and A/C evap core. I found a couple rust spots where the floor pan and firewall meet... It spun out from there.
I am really happy with the results. It took me a year. It's all good.
I pulled the seats just to make room for my fat ass. And so I wouldn't rip, stain, or bleed on them.
Next thing I knew, this was the state of my car:
Honestly: It all started with replacing the heater core and A/C evap core. I found a couple rust spots where the floor pan and firewall meet... It spun out from there.
I am really happy with the results. It took me a year. It's all good.
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chacho44
Forum Member
Well im all done just gotta install the seats and a cpl little things. But honestly WTF I got Charlie horses on my hands, foot and thighs. By the time I quit I was walking like a new born pony, yes I should've jjst bypassed it but wanted to keep the heat. If it happens again fuck that shit bypass it is. But thanks for the help guys it took me a while buts finally done maybe ill take it for a spin later before I head into work and enjoy my heat lol.
BigWheelinBubba
Club Member
4AM post.. were you up all night doing it? lol
2MANYMUSTANGS
Club Member
Well there you go! You just need to pull the dash, seats, column, engine & trans, all the engine harnesses, front & rear suspension, K-member, and everything else in the engine bay. Prep for install of the new heater core by sandblasting everythng! LOL
OldbutNew
Club Member
You forgot the entire fuel system and the brake lines.
I'll have to agree. If I was in it all the way, the windshield would have been out, the doors and hatch off, and all that nasty red paint would have been gone.
But I promised the wife I would have it back together in one year. Something had to give!
chacho44
Forum Member
Lol naw it didn't take me that long, I ran to gf's house to get my dogs, ordered some pizza watched tv then went outside again. It took about 4-5 hours lol.
Rumblestrip
Forum Member
I think I paid Moneypit to do mine in my 95GT, that was quickest, easiest and cheapest solution for me.
