Fox Body Mustang Heater Core Installation (79-93)

The heater cores in Fox Body Mustangs are infamous for leaking and causing poor performance of your heating system. We get a constant barrage of questions on how to replace 79-93 Mustang heater cores. We listened to the outcries from our fellow enthusiasts and we created a step-by-step walkthrough video on how to replace your heater core. The installation does require you to have roughly a half to a full day of time set aside to tackle the job; however, doing the job yourself can save you hundreds of dollars!
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Remove Fox Body Seats: • Fox Body Mustang Tech:...
A bad or leaky heater core can cause steamed up windshields, a strong coolant smell coming from the dash, or even worse -- a wet passenger side floor. Don't let a bad heater core ruin your carpet and cause you to drive around in the cold! Pick up a 5.0Resto replacement heater core today and watch our installation video! We have them available for both A/C and Non-A/C Mustangs.
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Fox Body Heater Core Issues | 0:00
Remove Interior Components | 0:18
Remove The Dash | 0:33
Unplug Connections From Dash | 3:13
Remove HVAC Box, Accumulator Bracket and Heater Hoses | 3:31
Remove Old Heater Core | 4:18
Install New Heater Core | 4:40
Reinstall Components and Dash | 4:59
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#LMR #Foxbody #50Resto
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Use of this video is subject to the terms as set forth in our LMR Install Video Disclaimer | lmr.com/page/lmr-install-vide...

[@Mattrides247]

this video was helpful in deciding to bypass the heater.

[@64impalaSSRealMechanic315]

After watching this video i decided heat is not needed

[@monstermustang89]

Haha my thoughts exactly, once again great vid from lmr.com

[@UFOGHOSTHUNTER]

It's hot in TX so, bye heater core!

[@derstuka96]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@patricksommers2629]

omg my exact same thought!!

[@SleeperGS]

Just did the heater core swap this weekend, and it took about 15 hours total. This video was a great guide, thanks LMR!

[@Joesmusclecargarage]

I just did the heater core in my 89 today. Had it in my hands in 45 minutes. No broken parts, and didn’t dump the A/C. Took a little over an hour to put it back together.

[@airsoftgunjk]

LIES @@Joesmusclecargarage

[@a1chemist1]

Back in 1989 i changed out a heater core in my 1985 GT. I took a different approach. I was able to cut a surgically straight section in the plastic heater core box and remove the core. I agree one shouldn't butcher up the car, but this approach saved me hours. Back then i was making less than 12K a year and couldn't afford to take my car to a shop. I replaced this cutout in the plastic heater core box with the section just cut out and was able to use a colleague and friend's polypropylene welding gun (he worked for a company that made laminar flow sampling hoods) to anneal the piece i had cut out.

[@skeetret]

I DID THIS JOB ON MY 88 GT .IT WAS 5 YEARS OLD . I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW NEVER SAW WINTER OR RAIN. I HAD IT 7 YEARS WITH 24000 MILES ON IT . I PURCHASED A MANUAL FOR THE JOB. IT TOOK ME A DAY AND A HALF. I DID THIS JOB IN 1993 AROUND SPRINGTIME IN MY GARAGE WITH NO PEOPLE INTERUPTIONS THANK GOD . THE WAY YOU DEMONSTRATE IT IS EXACTLY THE WAY IT WENT ON MY CAR. WHEN I SAW YOUR VIDEO ,I THOUGHT BACK YEARS AGO WHEN I ACCOMPLISHED THIS TASK. NOW I'M 64 ,AND RETIRED . NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS ,I WILL NEVER ATTEMPT IT AGAIN ,LOL , HOWEVER , WHEN I FINISHED WITH THE HEATER CORE INSTALLATION ,AND I'M VERY METICULAS ,YOU COULDN'T TELL I TOUCHED THE CAR AT ALL . THANK GOD THERE WAS A MANUAL FOR IT ,BECAUSE IF ANYBODY DOESN'T TACKLE THIS JOB WITHOUT ONE, THEY'RE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE . GREAT VIDEO . BACK THEN YOU TUBE HADN'T BEEN INVENTED YET , AND BY THE WAY ,MINE WAS RED TOO . VERY INFORMATIVE . TAKE CARE ,AND THANK YOU .........

[@Tuka-007]

Excellent video couldn't ask for a better walk-through video for this level of install. All that disassembling would frustrate most people.

[@latemodelrestoration]

Thanks. This was one install we get a lot of questions about. Hopefully this helps everyone feel more comfort about this installation.

[@mikedmop]

Heater Core cost $20.00 and a shop wants $700.00 to install it. Thanks to LATE MODEL RESTORATION for this kick ass video. I saved hundreds just by watching these videos and doing the repairs myself.

[@stringsattached67]

made me appreciate my job ' because I'd happily pay $1, 000 for a mechanic to do it after watching this video.

[@patriotkieler9750]

Too true lol My Car didn't come with AC I'm thinking about an aftermarket under dash unit. lol My heater core is far easier to replace.

[@Joesmusclecargarage]

Jesus, you’re that lazy? I just did the heater core in my 89 today. Had it in my hands in 45 minutes. No broken parts, and didn’t dump the A/C.

[@stringsattached67]

@@Joesmusclecargarage No I'm 56 and can't get under dashes anymore like I once could. Maybe if you weren't such a asshole you'd have more subscribers 🤷

[@kevincraig5311]

@@JoesmusclecargarageI can tell you’re proud too😂

[@OfficerPaterFamilias]

Man, you guys are doing a great job serving your customers. Great camera work and video!

[@latemodelrestoration]

Thanks Erik!

[@michaelbrown56]

My fox is needing heater core and really sweating it after watching this video i have alot more confidence! Thanks for sharing

[@seanwarren951]

Just want to extend a quick thanks for an awesome video. I am just finishing up the replacement of the heater core on my 1989 5.0. Its a crappy job but following the steps carefully its nearly complete! I will say that if you need your car tomorrow morning maybe pay someone. It took me about 8 hours total. The good news is putting it back together was much faster than taking it apart. The shop manual is crap and the video was my best friend during this mission. Helpful tip: take pictures, make notes as you go and label all your screws and fasteners!!!! I didn't lose anything and I even found the ash tray spring under the console....... its closed now. keep up the good work.

[@nitsgar]

Great Video. Insane amount of work for such a simple part.

[@corbryant463]

Yeah, thanks for this. Probably one of the best how-to videos I've seen anywhere. You covered everything, and replacing mine went smoothly.

[@droppedf100]

That was A very thorough step by step how to on what looks to be a ridiculously poor factory design. I'm glad that my truck wasn't nearly that bad. No wonder so many mustangs have no heat.

[@JesseG8GT]

WOW! You guys and this video made this project incredibly simple! Start to finish, keeping track of all screws and bolts it took me less than 5 hours doing it alone. This video made that happen! You guys are a great business and I'm always happy to make purchases through your web site. Thanks again! Best part, not one lost bolt! Ha!

[@latemodelrestoration]

JesseG8GT Way to go! Glad we were able to help out, and thank you for your loyalty! -Landan

[@blakesims5748]

JesseG8GT I plan on doing mine with this video as well.

[@Joesmusclecargarage]

I just did the heater core in my 89 today. Had it in my hands in 45 minutes. No broken parts, and didn’t dump the A/C. Took a little over an hour to put it back together.

[@michaelfabbrini2602]

Thanks for this!! Just changed the heater core on my 91GT. This video helped tremendously! Thanks again! Keep the videos coming!!!

[@gerryj8839]

Good Stuff!! I remember when the doing the heater core on my 86GT took 2 days (as a novice) and ended up with dozen screws/bolts left over and anyone needing a heater core in their 97-93 just sold their cars! This is a great video!

[@dtrrtd774]

+Gerry Joseph Too funny! I can identify with both situations- ;) I'd consider leaving the two rear screws of the heater core lid off, to make it easier the next time, if there is a next time.

[@chrismayer8322]

Holy cow, I will never do that again. Ever bolt, connector and fastner is like a wrestling match. Thanks LMR

[@InternetDude]

I’m doing this job right now, those rear screws are a real pain. I’m having a hard time getting the core out but I’ll keep working at it. This video is helpful!

[@latemodelrestoration]

I fully understand your pain, I have done this one a time or two in the past and it is never fun.

[@InternetDude]

Well I got the new core in. Oddly enough it was easier to reinstall the 4 cover screws than it was to remove them. Where do I put the yellow plastic restrictor in the hose? Does it matter which end I put it in? I know it goes in the larger hose.

[@latemodelrestoration]

You just need to slip it in on the heater core side is where I install these at.

[@luisnatal8658]

You guys are great at LMR. Thanks for the videos. I have done several things to my car with parts from LMR, and I always learn from these videos. !!

[@edg6928]

This video is amazing. These things are incredibly hard to disassemble without the right instructions

[@413indianjosh]

thanks just changed mine today and the hardest thing was those bolts way in the back of the heater core cover. very helpful video

[@vincentcarvajal5876]

Doing a heater core installation by your self at 18 is a lot of work. You guys make it much easier tho with the help on these installation videos , thanks late model restoration

[@mchristr]

Thanks for the great videos. Heater core replacement process for non-A/C car: 1. Drain coolant and loosen heater hoses 2. Remove glovebox 3. Remove small access panel 4. Remove heater core. 5. Reverse the order. Done.

[@jcanvid]

Thank you late model restoration for this video it was great. I own my own shop an have this mustang needing a heater core. Now thanks to you guys I know exactly how I'm going to pursue this project:) Many thanks from Canavan's Automotive Repair

[@joshsherwood7831]

This video was very helpful. We had removed everything just as you did (and little more work than necessary, but chalk it up to experience) and when got to the point to take the core cover off and was stuck...thank you we are very close.

[@302willstang]

These videos are the best how to videos on KZbin great job guys keep it up

[@latemodelrestoration]

***** Thanks that means a lot! Just glad we could help!!

[@user-oh5rn8kc2k]

Followed this video and successfully change my heater core on my 1992 Mustang GT Convertible. Thank you

[@johntoccafondi2059]

I just finished replacing thhe heater core on my 87 lx 5.0 Mustang. Quite a job but I was redoing the seats and carpet so why not. I had bypassed it years ago so if ever there was a time to do it this was it since the seats and center console were out. It took some time and bruised knuckles. This is a great video. I have used latemodel videos before and they are a big help. It is great having heat again which extends the season I can drive it.

[@ronniecline511]

Thanks for the video it made this job a lot simpler. Thanks LMR

[@latemodelrestoration]

***** Thanks for the comment. I will pass along the praise to the camera guy... those guys don't always get the credit that is due!

[@natedub1]

I had no idea.....

[@Raptorman5174]

I had a bad heater core in my old 88 LX hatch back mustang back in the day. wow thats a lot of work, no wonder mechanics charge you $1000 to do this job

[@JonathanRushTexasFootball]

Nick Torres you ain't lying. Was thinking about doing this myself until I saw this video. Too time consuming, I can see this being an all day event with the wife asking how much longer will I be and me having to wrap it up the next day...definitely need to start early and block off most of the morning IMO.

[@qaawale]

Jonathan Rush Mine went out in AZ... Had no need at all for a heater in Tucson, so I just bypassed it. Then I had to move to Missouri in December... I knew it would be a two day job and it most certainly was.

[@kmossi6153]

Late Model Restoration hey is a 1988 mustang gt fox body for 600 with a bad heater core a good price?

[@MrCpsloco]

Man, yall have patience for days!!!!..... can we get a fox temperature control cable replacement video? Bumper removal and fender removal vid? Thanks for reviving my love of the foxbody! And great customer service too!

[@latemodelrestoration]

MrCpsloco I will see if we can't work those into future videos. Thanks for the ideas.

[@joshuacantrell7060]

This video help tremendously thanks LMR

[@eddybearall]

Excellent video & to the points 😊 did one last year & doing one today I found to to give me over confidence as well help. Thank You Ed

[@ggonzalez347]

Great video!!! Can't wait for more videos on other repairs on the foxbody mustangs.

[@latemodelrestoration]

You can see more #foxbodymustang install videos and tech articles here: www.latemodelrestoration.com/products/79-93-Mustang-Tech-News

[@waynestinyworld]

Nice thorough vid. Excellent camera work in such a tight space.

[@davekiehl]

I followed this, it was a life saver.

[@Bigphatfish50]

great video now i have to see if i really want to tackle this job myself

[@MustangGuy6501]

thank you this video took my fear of this job away I'm ready to do it in my 87 it's much needed

[@kengill9367]

Thank you my project is the whole car 😂 so I will be using this video for dash and bezel and heater core and ac and wiring and vacuum hose and steering wheel work. All I can say is saving it and thank you 🙏

[@jordanmiddleton5769]

I really liked this video. It was really helpful for me. Something I would really enjoy to see you guys install is a performance camshaft into a 87-93 mustang 5.0.

[@puyrm]

And here I thought this would be a giant pain in the ass...awesome post though. Much appreciated. Will order from LMR.

[@latemodelrestoration]

puyrm Thanks that is why we do this!

[@orlandorivas9359]

awesome video helped out alot ...keep up the good work lmr...

[@mauricebattle978]

Nice work on heater core!

[@mustangflyer6878]

AWESOME VIDEO!!!!!! You just turned a nightmare project into an easy to understand methodical job. THANKS!!!!!!

[@latemodelrestoration]

You are very welcome!

[@MrHereWeGoYo]

Thumbs up on a great video. That looks like an insane amount of work for such a simple part.

[@jerkeesvt]

Thanks for the tutorial!

[@cwozildjian]

bout to take this job on myself today I've been putting it off for a while now lol but it's starting to get cold and yeah the camera guy did a great job :)

[@richardpyles9880]

this was very helpful to me thanks for the info.

[@eZaFJDUBB]

I've been driving mine without a heater core for years, just have the windows down if it's cold and dress warm haha

[@valerietoton5509]

You too?

[@hueroski]

Try it with the windows up.

[@MrJsajames]

Very well done,And yes, A VERY big help, Thanks, Jeff

[@latemodelrestoration]

Glad we could help! - Jeff J

[@Indiansmoke1]

Not now. But a good winter project . Thanks again guys.

[@svtmustang99]

Great video keep them coming

[@eliseopacheco6144]

Great video! Very helpful!

[@latemodelrestoration]

Thank you for the kind words, please make sure you are subscribed to our channel and please let us know if you need anything else.

[@arielvargas9588]

Thank you for the information and a video that you sharing it was great helpful thanks

[@billsullivan7239]

A very thorough and helpful.

[@babynascar50]

Looks like a smooth process

[@TheJAD1980]

Great video!!

[@marktindall9310]

Good job guys.

[@_Livid_]

Normally I’d do the work myself, but this one I’d rather pay to have done. Thanks for talking me out of this headache!

[@realmaindrianpace]

I did this job on my '92 LX 14 years ago, and now I get to do it again. But as I recall, it really wasn't that bad.

[@chargerm10]

great video! absolutely dreading doing this today but i will be walking through this help full video the whole time. lol man you look pissed in some scenes!

[@The71boss351]

very helpful i did not use it to change heater core but used it to replace my dash that was cracked

[@dansilva501]

Great video .

[@Angel_268]

what else should you change while the dash is out that is known to go bad?

[@RyanPHill-le7vt]

Nice video fellas. Have to say after doing my 89 notch and watching you guys on the 93, I'd have to say my 89 was much easier. Lol. Also too you should always run the heater anytime you fill your radiator/reservoir.

[@gonz5659]

full respect holy !!!! don't forget anything awesome videos

[@allboostnojuice]

Awesome video!

[@latemodelrestoration]

I'm a little basis to this but I would have to agree!

[@NeedATank]

great vid guys. those heater cores are a pain.

[@darrenhall7990]

I don't have enough curse words in my vocabulary to do the heater core. I'll pay someone to do that one. I've had 5 mustangs, 3 of them were foxes. The 65 and 67 were a breeze compared to the late models.

[@russell2996]

I did this job once on my 85. when my 93 needed one, it was off to the mechanic.

[@gweds]

If you happen to read this, what was the going rate for a mechanic replacing the heater core?

[@davidd6003]

@@gweds 100000000

[@valerietoton5509]

It was $600 about 20 years ago!

[@brimmer555]

Awesome, I hope it works out soon.

[@norbertoguillen8801]

great video

[@M-E-G-A]

4:24 maaan, you weren’t kidding about those two bolts! I was drenched in sweat doing it!🥶

[@brimmer555]

Great job guys! I love the foxbody install videos. I want to see and install video of the (Ford Racing A/C Eliminator kit for the Fox Body Mustang.) PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[@latemodelrestoration]

We will see about getting that on a list of future videos!

[@xbrod7827]

Good to see how I do it long way from Australia to get some one to replace mine thanks

[@hotrodmercury3941]

Since I'm doing this on a ancient little LX. Might end up taking it all apart just for this. Need heat, but also gives me the opportunity to fix other things like the gauge, blower motor, etc. Slowly update everything I can already see some of the stuff you can do with this being off 1. Replacing the gauge cluster 2. Applying new insulation to the firewall 3. A new blower motor for the AC system (a 30 year old one probably won't do you any good anymore) 4. A full clean out of any dust bunnies. As well as checking the HVAC system and updating any parts 5. Updating these inner parts means you won't have to do this much later. Also if it helps, as you take things apart use chalk markers or label tabs or even colored tape to mark what goes where for easier put back together. This is what we did in my shop when we did stuff like this. We would take sharpies and mark in bright colors, red, blue, green, silver, etc for different things and would reconnect. It made everything so damn easy

[@salpullo8795]

thanks for the video

[@HooperWest]

Great Vid! Thanks!

[@kylepymale]

I like to put alot of jb weld at the base of the heatercore inlet and outlet tubes because ive seen alot of cracks at the base of the core were the two tubes are. it happens from people trying to put the heatercore hoses from the engine bay on to agressively and jiggling it around alot.

[@elegancehomepainting]

awesome video do you guys have a video that shows how to install a temperature control switch for to the thermostat for an electric fan?

[@Travos69]

My dad did this to my 86 and didn't use a baffle.. the new core blew within weeks and now 10 years later I'm saying it's finally time to do it. I can't believe you can't just remove the glove box to get to it. How mean!

[@johnbos6343]

Oh man! My heater is still going like a champ on my 92 Vert. Not looking forward to when I have to do this. Overall I guess this repair is pretty easy from what I could tell, just takes tons of time.

[@SuperGamefreke013]

Just started this process on my 86 about 4 hours ago, Wish me luck guys

[@latemodelrestoration]

Best of luck! Let us know if you have any questions!!

[@dntlss]

i wonder how many times you said the word "remove" in this video, lol, kidding aside, thank you so much for this video, i have a 91 vert and have been avoiding this like the plague but im gonna have to break down and do it at some point in time, i am buying the best and most expensive heater core 1000% USA made even if i have to have someone custom make it for me, there will be no chinese nothing in this operation PERIOD,well maybe the tools but thats about it.

[@peterflores7212]

thank you is very helpful

[@jaywally9893]

WoW!! I'm glad I live in Texas lol. That's a Nasty chore!

[@bryceborntodrum]

Thanks very helpful.

[@Jwall0607]

Awesome, I am glad we could help out!

[@83PoWeRrAm]

Thats a job and a half. nice work

[@latemodelrestoration]

Thank you!! We know KZbin subscribers have been begging for this video for some time.... what better time of the year to get this done. Winter is fast approaching!

[@ExoticPetGuys]

love the video

[@latemodelrestoration]

mustang6983187 Thanks for the feedback. Let us know if you have any other ideas for future videos.

[@disabledvet420]

i have been doing car stereos for about 18 years and taking the dash or part of the dash out is always such a pain. especially newer cars with more electronic garbage

[@supersupper86]

After watching several videos from different people on changing a heater core in an 86 Fox Mustang nobody mentioned removing the two 1/4” hex head screws located under the fuse panel. I broke the plastic dash at the screw on the right and also bent the metal bracket that they screw into. I had to remove the metal bracket and straighten it in a vise after I finished installing the heater core and reattached the dash assembly. NOTE: Do not use Well Water or City Water when refilling your cooling system because the minerals or chemicals in the water will eat up your new heater core!! Only use Distilled Water and anti-freeze in your cooling system.

[@balinstratton8702]

love this site need a video on blower motor

[@rossflores1]

Thank you !

[@glantrider]

Holy cow, that was very extensive, hats off to you guys and anyone else that's done this. If I have heater core issues, is there a way to just bypass it all together?

[@latemodelrestoration]

glantrider yes you can bypass it if you like. You just loose your heater.... some parts of the country this isn't a problem :)

[@86VenomStang]

I have to change mines didn't know it was this much work lol but nice vid. Mines a 86 coupe

[@nanothestrange]

this is a lot of work for a part that can so easily and so frequently go bad.

[@MUSTANG408W]

Would love to see the same video for a four-eyed Mustang or Capri with the older style dashboard with factory installed AC. I need to do my 86 Capri's core. I already ordered the restrictor from you guys.

[@fwh79FOXR6]

Awesome video. I think the heater core swap on a non air conditioned car is MUCH easier.

[@colinwatson3654]

Great job LateModelResto!! Me and my pop dis this it was a nightmare!

[@latemodelrestoration]

It definitely isn't a quick install. Thanks for all the comments!!

[@colinwatson3654]

Thanks guys! 1

[@nunyabinnis4069]

I don't have to do my heater core yet , but I saved this video after watching it and it Wil come in very handy , here's my question. I have the carpet kit from lmr, I wonder if it's advantageous to do the heater core while everything is out? Or should I just wait for it to go bad? Idk what I should do

[@jucedcustoms2274]

very helpful