1991 Ford Thunderbird Replacing heater core in my 1991 Ford Thunderbird with air conditioning
Replacing heater core in my 1991 Ford Thunderbird with air conditioning
What is your question?
I have the dash off and the heater box exposed. I believe that the tubes from the air conditioner system is attached to a similar core to that of the heater. I cannot see how to remove the air conditioner core from the back of the heater box so that I can remove the heater box and replace the heater core in it. I don't believe I should be disconnecting the air conditioner tubes. The car is not drivable without a dash and steering wheel so it won't be going anywhere until I put it back together. I am almost there, but cannot see what else to disconnect and how to remove the box by sliding it free from the air conditioner tubes coming through the firewall. Thank you for your help. Randy Arnett (email RandyBArnett@msn.com 10/29/10 2:51 pm pt)
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Well, it was loads of fun. I did not take out the heater box. I did not disconnect the air conditioner, because I didn't want to have to refill it. I had everything loose and tore the rubber gasket (that can't possibly be taken off any other way) from the heater core input/output lines that come off the heater core like a V. I replaced the core and put it almost all back together including the ripped gasket. Looks like I had a few extra screws and a insulation sheet that probably went somewhere between the heater core and the radio. Everything seems to be fine. Following any directions from my Chilton manual was an exercise in futility as it covered 15 years of Cougar and TBird with no real explanation or diagrams from my year. Warm in time for winter and a working defroster. Thanks for your comments.
If I'm not mistaken, the Thunderbird has a miserable design and repair kit that makes you have to physically cut the plastic core box open to remove the heater core. It's been a while since I've done one, but I believe this is the model that seems ridiculous.
The replacement Ford core comes with a replacment plastic cap if I'm not mistaken that must be sealed with sealant upon installation.
I can understand why it seems confusing when you have everything apart! Good luck.
