Heater core removal
 

I have the 455 out of my 73 Grand Am. While it's being rebuilt, I want to change the heater core. I bet this is the original heater core in car. I figure it's easier to get at bolts while engine is out. Anyone change the heater core on these A bodies? Any tips? Thanks.

I just got done pulling the heater core and evaporator case. Wasn't that hard since I had the center console out to remove shifter when I pulled out engine/tranny. I also had passenger seat out because I will be replacing carpet. Heater core did have signs of a leak. The one bolt to get the evaporator case off is blocked by the inner wheel well. Instead of removing wheelwell, I drill a access hole right thru the inner wheelwell. I will just plug up hole with a rubber stopper. You don't have to remove that evaporator case to get heater core out, but I wanted to clean inside the case. Plus I'm debating about replacing the evaporator with a new one. A/C worked before but I must of had a blockage in the expansion valve (VIR valve?) and the A/C stopped pumping out cold air even though it still held a charge.

The non-a/c heater core R&R is MUCH easier than the cars with A/C. Glad you made out OK with it. Beware the currently available heater cores are low quality and may leak right out of the box! This happened to me with a Spectra unit. I purchased a NOS unit and it worked well.

where did you buy yours? how much was it?

E-Bay. I think it was $75..but no problems with it.

The A/C equipped A body OEM part number is 3024923, and was also used in the 1979-1985 Rivera, Toronado, ElDorado.

There aren't any on E-Bay right now. There is a US made old stock aftermarket heater core that should work fine..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-74-75-76-77-Monte-Cutlass-Malibu-Grand-Prix-Regal-/150779851862?_trksid=m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu %3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D71 85142201034930659

Collectors Auto Supply lists a NOS one for $95..

http://collectorsautosupply.com/search/index.htm