Heater system resurrection

[Robertglab]

The p.o. Removed every bit of anything having t do with the heater on my recently purchased 81. I bought the car I. Phoenix and live in a much cooler climate, I would like to re install a heater system my winter. I have no idea where the smaller coolant pipes for the heater are supposed to run, any help would be much appreciated. It looks live the control linkages and heater core are still present, I will be replacing the core ( just in case) but I am lost on how to come by/ make heater pipes.


Thanks,
Rob

[DanD]

Sometimes people disconnect the heater because the heater core is damaged, but more often it is the control valve that is leaking. However, even when working properly, the control valve only shuts off the flow of water on one pipe, so hot water is able to work its way into the heater core and cause it to get warm, making your feet feel slightly toasty on hot days. Some people disconnect them for that reason.

There should be two tubes coming out of the bulkhead just above the exhaust manifold, and they go through a big metal and rubber grommet. The heater valve is attached to one of those pipes, if they are both still present.

[spider2081]

The replacement heater control valve will be different than the stock valve the car was delivered with. A few of the vendors sell pipes that compensate for the valve difference. When you are looking for the heater core and valve to buy check for new pipes that will fit the new valve without modifying the firewall.

[TX82FIAT]

Do you know how long the heater core has been disconnected? As mentioned, the valve under the dash in the passenger foot well is the typical problem. It is highly probable the valve is leaking. The core itself should be tested before hooking up new pipes and valves. A lot of threads on heater valve and core replacements for detailed guidance.

[azruss]

If the heater core is gone, then the fan and shroud are probably gone as well.

[Robertglab]

Thanks for the quick responses, I'm going to take the console and the passenger seat out tonight and do some more snooping around, I will probably take some pictures and have some better informed questions, thanks again and please stay "tuned"
Rob