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1973 HEATER BOX ISSUES

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Old Apr 28, 2020 | 03:50 PM
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1973 HEATER BOX ISSUES

Well I didnt plan on it, but today I decided it would be a great idea to replace the heater core on my 73' F250 360 2WD w/Factor AC. Well its be an adventure and I need some help to finish the job. Here's a list:

1.I have the heater box all unbolted but cant get it to come full out. Anyone have any tricks? I have search previous threads and see folks have got them all removed, just need to know if I am missing anything.
2.I need to replace the blower which is why I need to pull the heater box. (still cant get the heater box completely free)
3. Put a nice hole in the heater box out of pure frustration (anyone have a replacement or know where I can score one?). Its not huge, just the size of a hammer head . Some gorilla tape will have to due if I can fine one.
4. Noticed the AC Evaporator looks like crap, found a replacement, but the rubber "gasket/sealer" broke when I was removing: anyone know where I can score one of them or will insulation slugs work fine?

All any any feedback is helpful. As mentioned I did search for these issues but didn't really find any tricks etc.

Thanks all
 
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Old Apr 28, 2020 | 05:53 PM
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I'm about to do the same project. Subscribed to see how it turns out.
 
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Old Apr 28, 2020 | 07:48 PM
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Based on reading more and more posts the last few hours, it had become very apparent to me that the factory AC setup is frankly a giant PITA compared to non-AC trucks. With that being said, I still need to get the box to break loose and to remove the original blower and squirrel cage. Then I have to decide if I am even going to try and hook up the AC system after I finally get the blower motor replaced or not. For $325 for the AC Evaporator and lord only know what else in the AC system will need to be replaced if its even worth the headache...
 
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Old Apr 28, 2020 | 08:33 PM
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For $325, you are almost half way to the Vintage Air system. I think I might delete the factory AC box. At least then I could install my factory hood scoop set-up.
 
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Old Apr 28, 2020 | 08:47 PM
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Good info here. 1979 F100 Air Conditioning

X2 https://www.ncspecialties.com/shop/heater/index.htm
 
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Old May 4, 2020 | 02:52 PM
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First and foremost I want to thank @77&79F250 for the link. This was extremely helpful and makes me rather pissed at myself for not asking before I jumped into this. With that said I have an update. I took out the old blower motor and reused the squirrel cage. Got the new heater core in and hooked it up and ran for about 15 minutes (no leaks...YAY!).




Now with that said when I go to turn on the heat_ floor/panel/defrost I am not getting anything out of the vents. The replacement motor was brand new out of the box and connected properly (orange to orange black to black kinda thing). I will try and trace back my steps but figured I would update everyone first and then ask for some guidance.

I also plan on ordering a new AC Evaporator from Old Air Products as I can find this thing anywhere and I’m not going to put the original back into the truck. Thank you all again for your helpful feedback!
 
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Old May 4, 2020 | 03:46 PM
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You mean no air flow but you can hear blower running? Did you make sure the fan is spinning proper direction? When researching before doing mine, I read where some motors spin opposite direction when hooking up by color code and it is wise to verify.
What's wrong with the original evaporator? My experience has been aftermarket stuff is not made as well as the originals. If its not leaking or damaged, I'd reuse the original vs whats probably going to be a Chinese part. Not sure where you are with the A/C operating or not but if you replace evap you should add 1-2 ounces of oil as the evap typically holds that much.
 
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Old May 4, 2020 | 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by cjbronco
First and foremost I want to thank @77&79F250 for the link. This was extremely helpful and makes me rather pissed at myself for not asking before I jumped into this. With that said I have an update. I took out the old blower motor and reused the squirrel cage. Got the new heater core in and hooked it up and ran for about 15 minutes (no leaks...YAY!).




Now with that said when I go to turn on the heat_ floor/panel/defrost I am not getting anything out of the vents. The replacement motor was brand new out of the box and connected properly (orange to orange black to black kinda thing). I will try and trace back my steps but figured I would update everyone first and then ask for some guidance.

I also plan on ordering a new AC Evaporator from Old Air Products as I can find this thing anywhere and I’m not going to put the original back into the truck. Thank you all again for your helpful feedback!
So, do you have to remove the box from the engine compartment? Or did it all come out under the dash?
 
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Old May 4, 2020 | 04:39 PM
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I am glad those links helped. Yes ALWASY ask any question before you dive into any project big or small. I have seen a bunch of time and money saving advice given out over the years from a lot of experianced people on here.

X2 on just matching wire color for wire color might be a bad thing. Best to hook it up before 100% install and make sure it is turning in correct direction.

X22 ck air flow direction, ck cable connections.
 
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