replacing heater core

One of my winter projects is replacing the heater core on my 69,it has air conditioning. Does anyone have any tips on the best way or mistakes not to make? If it wasn't for the need of using the defroster once in awhile I'd just keep it bypassed. Thanks for any input.

|UPDATED|12/29/2003 4:34:58 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

If you don't have a Haynes or Chilton's manual, I would just suggest that you get one or both. Follow them step by step.
My tip to you is don't force anything, or kink any cables and take all the time needed. It can be a PITA. But doable.
Good luck!
Sarge

Hey Captn,

Check out an earlier thread in this forum ('heater core replacement on 73 w/A/C') for a link I posted there. Juliet Page did a great job of capturing the process in pictures.

Good luck!

Thanks for the input guys, appreciate it. I wanted to do it right the "first" time.

Captain Bill,

The best advise I can give you is to hire a young, energetic mechanic to do the work. Make sure to keep him happy with food and ice tea! It is always a good thing to do it right the first time! By the way, I voted for your car in the C3 registery. Hope you come in first! Good Luck! Your going to need it!

I did mine right before Christmas because it sprang a leak after I changed my t-stat. It isn't hard (which is good, because i had to do it twice due to a leaking brand new core ) but it is time consuming due to tight spaces. I can give you a blow-by-blow if you want.

Thanks Contrail, the Juliet pages gave me an idea of what I'm in for. I went to the storage garage yesterday to start the tear down but due to temporary placement of other cars there, I couldn't get to it. I might try again today. I'll get back to you as work progresses.