1988 Mustang
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 90
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From: Saskatoon, Sask
1988 Mustang
well i know this is not the right place for this, but you guys have helped so much i could not ask anyone else.
Yesterday i traded my truck for an 88 stang 5.0 and the thing needs a heater core. it doesent have air so i was just wondering how hard is this to do.
It seems one of the copper ends that comes out of the firewall broke off, so they took the hose off the one that was still intact and attached to the one that broke off so the antifreeze would still flow.
Yesterday i traded my truck for an 88 stang 5.0 and the thing needs a heater core. it doesent have air so i was just wondering how hard is this to do.
It seems one of the copper ends that comes out of the firewall broke off, so they took the hose off the one that was still intact and attached to the one that broke off so the antifreeze would still flow.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
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I had a 79' 5.0(1st year of fox body)----i replaced the heater core and to do so i needed to pull out a bunch of the dash to get to it(for an auto trans), it took about 4hrs and was just boltin and unboltin straight forward stuff---if it was a manual it was under the hood---dont know if its the same but hope it helps!!!!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 348
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From: Lutz, FL
I just replaced the heater core on my fiance's 91 and it was a nightmare. I had to pretty much remove the entire dash to pull the heater core box off the inside of the firewall. I took over 8 hours start to finish. Mine also had the a/c unit in it for other issues that you won't have, but the basic box removal is the same. For working room I took the seats out. Then the entire center console has to come out. The instrument panel has to come out, which means lowering the steering column. Then the dash unbolts, and I swung it out from the passenger side, hanging part of it on the steering column and tied up the passenger side to the roof. Then the heater box unbolts and comes out. Not fun, but I'd do it again to save the hundreds of dollars the dealer wants for labor to do it.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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I had a '88 GT and it took me over 10 hours to do it in 1991 (probably take twice as long now with my aching body). As I remember it, I had to take out the console and dash. And it was tough getting out the old one and sliding in the new one. The main thing to remember is to loop the heater hose before you attach it. The factory (and people who replaced heater hoses) did not leave leave enough "flex" and "give" in the hose for when the engine moved. This is was what probably caused the end of the core to break off on your car. The guy at the parts counter let me in on that when I picked the new heater core. Never had a problem after that.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2008
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i have an 88 mustang gt, i had to put a heater core in it just 4 months ago in the freezing cold, overall its easy work just really time consuming... took me about 4 hours but ive had my dash out before so im used to it.
trust me on this it may look really scary but its not to bad once you get into it, set aside 1 to 2 days to do it your first time...
remove the center console, then take off the steering wheel column covers, then the gauge cluster and all your switches fog lights ect., then start ripping the dash off one piece at a time....
some guys just prop up the dash on the passenger side, but for mine i remove the hole dash, also to for more space you may want to pull the seats, i didnt though...
trust me on this it may look really scary but its not to bad once you get into it, set aside 1 to 2 days to do it your first time...
remove the center console, then take off the steering wheel column covers, then the gauge cluster and all your switches fog lights ect., then start ripping the dash off one piece at a time....
some guys just prop up the dash on the passenger side, but for mine i remove the hole dash, also to for more space you may want to pull the seats, i didnt though...
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: cincinnati
yeah I shift it side ways but first timers pull all them bolts cause if ya crack dash mounts youll get some anoying rattles so I agree get the dash out of the way or get some room to move and advil for the next day,just dropped tank and replaced fuel pump,my back is killen me,87 5.0 331 stroker,single plane,roller ect msd, swap to my (new)87 f150 C6 damn fuel inj to carb swap killing me all this emission crap K.I.S.S engeneeres are not my friends.cant wait to see how see does at the track?!
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Central Mississippi
I'd rather have 3 root canals than pull my dash again in my 92 GT (manual). Did it for an evaporator. Changed the heater core for good measure while I was in there. Bag, tag & lable everything. Take notes, pictures etc. Be prepared for it to hang on everything. Take note of where it does & trim, grind or cut off excess plastic & metal to ease putting it back together. Do it sloppy & the rattles will drive you nuts.
You have my symapathies & good luck.
You have my symapathies & good luck.
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