Dump the heater, keep the fan?

[Stanley]

Tired of the heater, dripped coolant before I bypassed it, takes up all the foot room on the passenger side, looks crappy with all the broken plastic. Have a warm jacket and boots if it comes to that. Like having the fan, though - it helps defog the windshield in the winter, even without any heat.

Can do?

Edited April 1, 2013 by Stanley
misspelled word

[grannyknot]

Stanley, the heater core is up on top of the trans tunnel right next to the firewall, the blower is what hangs down into the Passenger footwell.

If you remove the H/C from the heater/ventilation box you would certainly get more blow from the blower but to do it you basically have to remove the dash,

centre console before you can even get to the heater box, lots of work.

Chris

[Stanley]

Thank you, looks like my heater is different. I see a core, through the broken plastic, to the right and slightly below the blower. Doesn't look like what's in the Hayne's manual.

[zKars]

That's an A/C evaporator core you seeing in there from the dealer installed A/C unit from the time. Heater core is in where granny says it is. No wonder you're concerned about the foot well space. Those ancient things are massive.

You have to retain at the very least some warm fan powered air on the defrost to make driving in cool wet weather safe. Whether you want to retain the A/C part, get it working is totally up to you. They are separate, I'm sure you can remove the A/C box and leave the fan and heater stuff alone.

[ZCurves]

I would encourage you to look at other alternatives such as installing a newer AC setup and replacing the Heater Core. It is always impressive when an vintage car has it's functionality rather than work-arounds that wonk up the ride.

[Stanley]

The AC? Should have known, there was a non-working compressor that was removed when I got the car. The non-working heater can stay, hope to fix it someday. Expect a few uncomfortable hours getting the AC box out. New AC would be nice, but only after some performance engine work is done, so way down the list, if ever. If it gets too hot I use a cool cushion, a 40 ounce ice tea, and open the window.

Wonder if there's a cover available for that bunch of relays etc., on the right side?

[Zed Head]

Don't forget the cannoli...

[Stanley]

Don't forget the cannoli...

Excellent comment. Don't really get it, but having a good laugh anyway.

[Zed Head]

The thread title recalls a scene from a popular old movie -

[Rainman]

Getting that evaporator out of the car was a b*#ch on my 260Z.. Hang in there with that! It was a classic movie, not just popular by the way.. Gotta love 'The Godfather'!!

[Stanley]

That thing's out of there. Only took about an hour or so, would have been less if I hadn't unnecessarily removed the bottom of the box first. Found the leak - one of the heater hose connections at the valve was covered with corrosion. Don't know if the heater valve can be saved. The diamond pattern vinyl under the valve is all tan with the residue. The heater core looks strangely brand new, also the clamps. Maybe someone replaced the core and clamps and forgot to check it for leaks.

Plenty of footroom now. A duct and holes in the firewall to plug, so I'll get some more shop towels. The AC unit looks ok except for cracked plastic on the bottom. Want to throw it in the dumpster but it might be worth money - anybody want to trade a Gilken OS head for it?

Now I wish I hadn't cut off the hoses in the engine bay - or at least left enough to splice.

[Reverend]

I had leak in exactly same spot. Those valves are cheap (20 something) so i strongly suggest you change one. It might be easy to change or PITA as was mine (thanks to rusted out screws) Did that and it ended the dripping/coolant smell in car.

EDIT: i just read that you had bypassed your heater. . Well if you ever deciede to un-bypass it..