sawmill

I have read the treads on heater core removal the question I have is has anyone cut the box instead of take the dash apart can it be done that way?My heater core is gone and needs to be changed out and looking for the easiest way out.

Busboy

The heater plenum is designed to catch moisture and condensation and drain it out the front through the fire wall. By cutting the plastic plenum you will weaken it and possibly cause it to leak. Removing the plenum is easy especially if you don't have AC. With AC the system must be discharged beforehand. Some like to remove the whole dash, some like to swivel the dash down, me... I like to take as little apart as possible so it's quick and easy. I remove the screws and bolts then drop the steering column last, lift up the passenger side of the dash and pull the plenum out. If you tape over the heater connections first you won't get antifreeze on the floor. On re installation make sure all the doors work before and watch for the little black vacuum line that must pass through the firewall at the same time.

infidel

This is about the best you can do https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=229112

sawmill

If I do it this way do I have to discharge the A/C I just got it fixed and don't want to mess it up.Also it looks like the core just lifts out of the box is it not sealed in?

Busboy

The link infidel posted is an excellent way to do it if you have AC and you can't evac and recharge yourself. The heater core does just come out the top but what stops you from removing it are the solid heater lines that run through the firewall. If you cut them like in the pics you can then remove the heater core. You would also have to cut the new ones as well to get it back in.

sawmill

Thanks guys I think this is the easiest route to go.