Heater box spring clip installation tip

[jgerock]

There are (3) spring clips that hold the front section of the heater box to the main section. You tap them off to split the box open, but the clips are difficult to get started.

I used a set of external snap ring pliers to spread the clip open enough to start it on the grooves - then tap the rest of the way with a hammer.

[c.d.iesel]

close - but you need (next time)

plyers like this (reversible)

to expand or compress clips/rings

it's a better multi tasker plyer

no hammer required

[BillWilliams]

I have a set of reversible ones like Uncle CD shows and I use them to stick in the holes then open the pliers spreading the clip.

Jim, your way seems like a good way if you do not have the snap ring pliers.

[lilmo]

I can just hear the engineers saying, "Let's make heater core replacement easy by putting monster spring clips between heater box sections."

I've got the right tool, and I STILL chased that clip across the garage 4 times before it snapped in place.

Good times . . . . .

[jgerock]

I tried using (2) different sets of retainer clip pliers - one even had an adjustable screw to hold the position. Both were unable to clear the center portion of the clip while spreading the outer pin holes apart. The plier pins kept slipping out of the holes. Guess a longer set of removable pins would work too..

Good grief...

[BillWilliams]

This design is another one of those things that makes one scratch their head and ask what were they thinking.

[JerryC]

I've refurbished 3 heater boxes. Throw away the clips before you launch them. Actually, the first 2 I did had such rusty clips they snapped upon removal.

I used good old fashioned steel wire - wrap it around the plastic tabs and twist it tight. Never had any problems with that approach.

[jgerock]

The Behr air conditioning console also uses these same clips (Behr made the heater boxes).

[Mike_B]

They are also on the NKs. I struggled with them on my '64 heater box refresh.

[Half Moon tii]

Would the channel lock 8 inch snap ring plyers work for the clips?

[calw]

referring to the first photo, take a small philips screwdriver or other round-shafted tool small enough for the end to go thru the small hole at the top.  Put the end of the tool in that hole, and use the shaft to pry against the flat of the clip to spread the upper side of the clip open.  It will pry right off.  I did this on three heater boxes, all with old and brittle plastic, with no damage to the plastic bits.  Do it slowly to get a feel for the situation, and don't loose the clips, they're probably unobtainable easily.  If the clips are rusty, a drop of oil or two where the clip meets the plastic might be a good idea to help the sliding action.

[Half Moon tii]

I did something like that to get them off but the problem is on.  I don’t have reverse pliers and thought the holes on the clips might act like a snap ring.

[calw]

On 3/27/2013 at 5:58 PM, lilmo said:

I can just hear the engineers saying, "Let's make heater core replacement easy by putting monster spring clips between heater box sections."

I've got the right tool, and I STILL chased that clip across the garage 4 times before it snapped in place.

Good times . . . . .

"But first, let's make sure that you'll need to remove the dashboard in order to get at the little screws in order to loosen the controls in order to get the heater box out to start the repair.   After removing the windshield in order to get at the two little screws at the top of the dashboard"

 

"And finally lets use rivets on the heater box also to ensure that anyone who ever repairs one won't do it twice. "

[Half Moon tii]

These work perfectly.

[Littleeagle28]

My heater box has all 3 plastic mounts broken and clips obviously missing.  There were none there when I removed the box for the first time.

 

Any suggestions how to secure this part of the box without the clips (or with them) when the mounting points have been destroyed by the previous owner?