I need to replace the heater core in my 1965 VC with a/c. I have the service manual but it pretty much skips over the Cutlass heater cores and even the pictures don't seem to completely match what I have. It looks like it may have to go through the inside although the big cars seem to replace from outside. Anyone with any firsthand knowledge on this fix. Thanks,Hal

 

It looks like you need page 14-14 of the '65 factory service manual.

It's available at wildaboutcars.com, but you say you have it. On the left side under "Core Assembly" is a description on to remove the core. You'll apparently have to drill a hole through the fender filler panel to get at one of the attaching nuts.

 

Thanks for the reply, I have that picture and its for the non air cars. I'm guessing the core goes out the pass side of the firewall after removing the outside bolts/nuts. We'll soon see.

 

Sorry. Missed that. How about Figure 14-75 on page 14-37 in the A/C section? Brief instructions on page 14-34?

 

Well, I pulled it out-WHO designed this thing. Someone that would never have to work on it for sure. The outside suitcase has to come off first to access two nuts located inside. After getting it out and on the bench I find out I have the wrong core. Its the core called out for the ac cars but no way will it work . It looks like the books have it wrong and the non ac core called out is the right item. I'll know for sure tomorrow after a trip to NAPA.
BTW, thanks for the note on the service manual picture-that's the under dash look alright.

 

I've always wondered this, too. Access to the heater core in some cars requires drilling a hole through the inner fender to get at one of the nuts to loosen it. Couldn't they have come up with a better design?

Yes, it's unlikely that any owner would have to replace a heater core very often, but the fact that you would likely have to do it at least once or twice in the life of the car suggests that an easier way to get at it would have been a nice touch.

 

It looks like the core is from an A/C Cutlass and not a non A/C car. I'm quite sure this is an all original car so the heater box must have slipped in during production. Maybe it was a change and the books don't reflect it. Anyway, got one coming shortly. The fun continues.......