I started on my heater core this morning at around ten. Came out no issues, went and picked up a new one. Started reassembling and the damn rain started.

 

So 2 full days, about 17 hours total, got my heater core replaced. What a pain in the butt. I had to keep taking it back apart because I forgot to hook something up, or I pinched a hose. Glad they don't go bad often.

 

Video or it didn't happen! Seriously I have this on my to do list for restoring my 90 Dak. Any pointers? Right now my truck is disassembled down to the frame and cab and seats are out so might as well do it now.

 

Haven't done one on a dakota, but plenty of other vehicles. Not a fun job, not hard, just time consuming. I always do the evap and heater core together if it has a/c. Why do it twice.

 

I did mine in the dead of winter during a blizzard. I took the seat out, cleaned it up, put a small heater inside, a lamp, and locked myself inside for the duration. Nice and warm. And it went well.

 

Not a video, but should count as proof...



I waited for a three day weekend just in case I needed time. Wasn't horrible but very time consuming.

 

I hope I never have to do that!

 

Compared to some vehicles, it's not all that bad at all!

Only the lower dash has to come out; if you have the engine out, it's a LOT easier (so if doing a complete engine overhaul, I'd do heater and A/C cores and blower motor at the same time); and if you do it, be SURE to replace ALL the weather stripping.

RwP

 

Yes, the operation is not pretty, but not that difficult. To make sure you have enough room, be sure to take out the seats! On our 1999 Ram Quad cab, (yes, not a gen 1 Dakota, but thought the pic was cool!) we had to remove the steering in order to drop the dash.


1999 Dodge Ram 2500 dash removal to replace A/C core