Replacing a Heater core in a 1979 Trans Am

[Big Block Bill]

Any input on replacing a heater core in a 1979 Trans Am with A/C and a 301 Pontiac engine as far as a supplier for the replacement part and tricks of the trade to get the old one out with out taking the whole interior and steering column out? The Saga continues with (My) Old cars. Bill

[ronzz572]

This will require lowering the right inner fender well to access the firewall side hvac box fasteners and heater hose connections. I don't think you will need to remove the dash. The heater hvac box should come out at least with removing the glove box and pulling out the passenger side of the dash.

[L72Biscayne]

Find a good radiator shop and have a new core put on the original tanks. Has far as tricks. It's pretty straight forward , jack up right side take wheel house out and remove glove box and pull back your rug to put down towel to soak up any anti freeze that spills. I just had mine re cored in my 70 Z which is pretty much the same car.

[Big Block Bill]

I appreciate the input, but this is an A/C Car with a Console. I've replaced many a Camaro and Chevelle's heater core before but not in an A/C car with a Console. It looks to be a little more complicated than that. I don't want to disturb the dash and console if I don't have to (44 year old Plastic Parts and all). I've started on it yesterday and have the right wheel well out, the glove box out and onto the duct work and heater box on Monday. Bill

[Too Many Projects]

If the stars are aligned for you, the console may not need to be disturbed. There should be plastic ducts on the outlet of the heater box that can be removed for more clearance. Never done a Firebird specifically, but done plenty of others and there is usually a way to wiggle that box out or rotated enough in place to extract the core. You've worked on enough cars to recognize where that can happen once you are in it.

And L72 is right about getting yours repaired or re-cored. Most of the aftermarket stuff is ill fitting and cheaply made.