Topic: Partial Heater Box Removal

[markb0729]

I haven't tried yet but is it possible to get too and remove all the clips that hold the 2 halves of the heater box together?  I want to remove the front of the heater box only (not looking to remove the entire heater box) to put the seals on for the doors (I believe there are 2) that swing back and forth that control heat, defrost and air flow.  The heater box was out and restored but the bonehead person that put the heater box back together and installed it did not put all of the seals in.  I can see at least some seals are missing via the passenger side fresh air access and by the metal clanking when I move the controls back and forth.

Edit: 65 Fastback no A/C, Automatic with center console

[65Ford]

The heaterbox  clips on the passenger side kick panel are blocked.  If removed, there may not be enough room to install them.  It's not too hard to remove the heater box on '65 - unlike a fox chassis Mustang (ugh).

[jwc66k]

Do it right, remove the box. All you will do is add to the mistakes the original bonehead made that didn't do it correctly. Disconnect the heater hoses at the engine and pull the box thru. You will lose some coolant but gain peace of mind.
Jim

[markb0729]

Thanks guys.  You have put my self-denial in check.  It doesn't seem like removal of the heater box should be too bad.  I like things done right so I'll go that route.  I'll just add it to the list. 

The car has a center console.  Do you recommend removing it before removing the heater box? Seems like it might get in the way.

[rrenz]

I just rebuilt mine. Pulled it by myself. Not bad at all. Putting it back is rather tricky. I re installed it myself and actually pinched a hose against the firewall and had to pull it back out after not getting any heat. Having a second person guiding the bolts and pulling the hoses from the engine compartment will make it a breeze.

[jwc66k]

Definitely remove the seat, the console "may" have to come out but I've managed to get the heater out with the console in place.
Jim

[65Ford]

I've pulled the heater box in my dad's '65 Mustang with the console and AC evaporator case in place.  The only thing I had to remove was the cardboard glove box.  Pulling the seat is a good idea.  I haven't done it because I was too lazy.

[markb0729]

Seat is coming out...  Glove box is coming out...  Console is staying in (for now).  Great advice.  Much appreciated!

[markb0729]

I took out the heater box today.  Removing the passenger seat was a great tip.  It would have been a royal PITA had I left the passenger seat in.  The cardboard glove box gave me some issues until I discovered you can fold the sides to remove through the glove box door.  I left the center console in.  Believe it or not I had the most trouble disconnecting the heater hoses from the water pump and block.  Those puppies did not want to come off!  I drained about 2 gallons of antifreeze from the radiator petcock and I plugged the ends of the heater hoses before feeding them through the firewall.  I did not remove the clips on the heater box yet but from what I see there is only a little internal surface rust.  As I suspected, there are no seals installed in the heater box.  I'm going to remove the clips from the heater box and refurbish the unit as it should have been done.  The heater box has a date code stamped on it 4HE (August 64) which is in line with my estimated build date of September 2, 1964 so that's good.  Thanks for all your help.

Mark

[jwc66k]

The heater box has a date code stamped on it 4HE (August 64) which is in line with my estimated build date of September 2, 1964 so that's good.

Mark,
For the record, what color was the date code stamp?
Jim

[markb0729]

White.  Repro defrost plenum and motor but the box is original.  A picture is worth a thousand words.

[ChrisV289]

Mine was yellow when I took it out back in 2010. Does this call for a new thread discussion? San Jose oct 64.

[markb0729]

My car is a Dearborn Fastback, approximate build date of September 2, 1964.

[markb0729]

Thank you all for your advice and of course the abundant posts on heater box rebuild/restoration.  I removed the heater box and did a restoration the way it should have been done in the first place.  The old adage of "If you want something done right, do it yourself." holds true.  I'm happy with it.

EDIT:

Materials Used

• Lacquer Thinner for clean-up
• Scott Drake Seal Kit
• JB Weld to fix cracks in heater box
• 3M Super 77 Adhesive for large foam pieces
• SCIGRIP #1829 Headliner Adhesive for foam in heat control box and small foam pieces
• Rustoleum Rusty Metal Primer
• Rustoleum Flat Black for internal metal parts (I know this is not concours but I can live with it.)
• Rustoleum Semi-Gloss black for exterior metal parts
• Rustoleum Satin Clear coat for heater box
• Rustoleum Metallic Finish for control levers
• Testors bright Aluminum for rivits

This isn't a commercial for Rustoleum but I had most of it on hand and have had good results in the past.  No sealer used between the heater box half's.   

Mark

[mjd 65]

I did mine about a year ago and was pleased with the results. The only real tricky part was finding the correct plastic rivets for the resistor panel. I found them at West Coast Classic Cougar.