Heater core removal...

[BBoswell]

Winter is here and wouldn't you know the heater core has started leaking. What is the best way to get the heater core out for repair?

[Lucky'57]

Depends, do you have "Factory Air"?

[BBoswell]

Custom 300 without air conditioning.

[Lucky'57]

These are big so I'll send two.

[Lucky'57]

...and the second Pic. These are out of the '57 Shop Manual (page 8-24).

[BBoswell]

I can't see all of the instructions but if I'm understanding what a can see and read, the heater core is removed from the firewall side and doesn't require taking anything apart under the dash.

[Lucky'57]

Here are the Fig 20 & 21. Looks like just the temperature control cable and maybe a vacuum line.

[Lucky'57]

It sure looks like it has to come out from inside the car as you can only access it by removing the plenum chamber.

[Lucky'57]

Here's the whole chapter. 7 pics.

[Lucky'57]

3 & 4

[Lucky'57]

5 & 6

[Lucky'57]

and 7. Hope this helps.

[Lucky'57]

On a final note, based on what I've read on the forum, there's a seal on the temperature control valve that often fails. If that's not it you will need to replace it anyway if you rebuild the core. MAC's or Carpenter.

[BBoswell]

Thanks for all the scanning and information. It definitely helps a lot. If I'm going to all this trouble and expense I should probably change all the heater core related parts. I just checked and Mac's has everything except the vacuum thermostat valve. I'm not finding that anywhere. Any suggestions on where I can find that part? Thanks again for all your help.

[Limey57]

I've just done all of this on re-assembling my Ranchero which is the same set up.  The valve is available on EBay and yes, the gasket/seal is a poor design so I used plenty of "instant gasket".  It is all removed from inside the car and if I were you I'd take the opportunity to flush out the heater core, I used de-scaler for kettles and you wouldn't believe the muck it shifted! If you need photographs just shout as mine is all still accessible.