Heater Core Change

[YellowBronc]

Well, I had to change my heater core because of a leak. I know how difficult it is to hook up or remove the hoses to the the outlets. I've bent them before trying to give it a better angle but never with great success. While waiting for the heater box seal kit to arrive, I started thinking of a way to upturn the outlets. This is what I came up with..........

I cut the heater core tubes about 2" from the end. I then bought some 1/2" X 45 degree elbows from Lowes and soldered them on the tubes with the 2" ends soldered to them. This made a 45 degree upturn so it isn't so hard to connect the hoses anymore. It really wasn't to hard to do since I had taken out the heater box to replace the heater core anyway.

Thought I would share a simple mod for everyone.

 

[JWMcCrary]

But now you no longer have a factory EB....;D


Good idea Don..Thanks for the tip.

 

[astark]

Now that looks great ;D

 

[Bucky]

Wish I'd thought of that! Next time!

 

[ransil]

The after market replacement heater cores are longer than the stock units.
I also angled mine a bit, does require opening up the firewall and heater case holes.
tip... reconnect the cables and wires before installing the heater box.
battery was low on the camera.

 

[70 sport WA]

I had to trim one about an inch off the pipe because of the same issue, and it hasn't affected the flow or created a leak. Just used a $5 pipe cutter from the hardware store and did it carefully. If the clamp is secure enough and there's enough rubber over the pipe you'll be fine. Here' a picture -- the hose fits fine, now.

Dan

 

[YellowBronc]

The after market replacement heater cores are longer than the stock units.
I also angled mine a bit, does require opening up the firewall and heater case holes.
tip... reconnect the cables and wires before installing the heater box.
battery was low on the camera.

Hey!!! Great minds think alike!!! I knew someone should have come up with this idea before me. I didn't cut the holes any bigger on the firewall or box? It rubbed a little but went together nicely. Might be 'cause mine isn't as long after the 45 degree bend?????

You are right about hooking everything up before mounting the box. I instinctivly did mine that way. It was still difficult but I can't imagine how hard it would be after the box was mounted.

 

[BronCowie]

Where was this post when I needed it 10 years ago?

Oh well, maybe I'll have the opportunity to do this 10 years from now. ;D

 

[ransil]

I didn't have a digital camera 10 years ago and CB.com didn't exist.
That is about the time frame when I did my other Bronco, it was necessary on that one cause it had some front end damage and the wheel well was pushed back a bit.