G body Heater removal

[85MonteCoupe]

So, I finally decided I am going to remove my heater/Ac box from the engine bay. I've been putting it off for a few years because I wanted to keep defrost but in the last two years since the engine swap I have never once needed the heater or fan. One time I turned it on because it was pretty hot out, but it blew so much hot air into the car I turned it right back off. So my question is, do you need to remove the dash in order to get the box out through the engine bay? I have it half out, top and all bolts loosened, but it seems like something else might be holding it up. I have seen plenty of pictures of people with it out, but no descriptions on how. Do you have to remove the dash or is there some bolt I am missing that is still in it? I would prefer not to damage it during removal.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[vickysbu]

No need to remove the dash, glove compartment door needs to be removed for easier access. Do you have the controls dismounted already? And you're going to need a prybar to break the seal, just be gentle so you dont crack the box.

 

[85MonteCoupe]

Vickysbu, thanks for the response,

So I do have the glove box out, the radio panel out and all the radio/heater electrical stuff disconnected. I also removed the trim panel above the glovebox and started loosening all the bolts to the vents in the car. I have all the bolts out on the engine compartment side and it is hanging loose. I am thinking that the passengerside head might be the issue. Since I did the LSx swap I moved the engine back 1 inch. I tried pulling the valve cover off on that side, which gave me a little bit more room, but it still seems to be hanging up. I can pull on the side closest to the fender and it rotates and moves out but contacts the head. Under the dash I can see it pushing back on the center vent piece that is right behind the radio. Is there anyway I can pivot it out to get around removing the cylinder head? Will removing all the vents give me enough clearance?

Thanks,
Jason

 

[85MonteCoupe]

Figured it out. There is a goldish colored bracket that attaches the bottom of the dash to the top of the firewall. The box was getting held up there. Once I removed that I was able to wiggle the box and move it around and get it out. Got it out with only minimal scuff marks to the box corners.

 

[vickysbu]

Well done Grasshopper,lol! I forgot about that bracket, its been years since i did mine.