MiataRoadster

What's the best method to remove the stock carpet with the HVAC box in place? I was cautioned by a friend that there's a stud underneath the box trapping the carpet in place and that there's an optimal method to get the carpet out with minimal surgery. Thanks in advance for help!

tomsn16

iTrader: (283)

Yes there is a stud but also a ton of very strong adhesive which is the greater problem.
we always remove the heater box, otherwise you must cut which greatly devalue the carpet....choice is yours.


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DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

You can cut the carpet around the heater core and leave that part of the carpet in place. Cut it up as high as you can so the carpet looks seamless and you don't see the cut.

Dale

MiataRoadster

That was my first thought, but it looks like I'd have to drain the coolant from the heater core and drain the A/C lines to remove the box. Is that not the case?

tomsn16

iTrader: (283)

Correct.....I assume you have the dash out , if so that is the hard part.

MiataRoadster

Yes, I'm swapping an ultrasuede-wrapped 93 dash into my 94.

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

If you already have the dash out, do it right and remove the heater core. It's no big deal once the dash is out. I don't think you have to remove the evaporator, I think that can stay in place.

Dale

MiataRoadster

Any tips on how to remove the heater core? I searched the forum w/o luck.

tomsn16

iTrader: (283)

Heater Box (not core) bolts to firewall studs ( 2 or 3)...remove water hoses and airbag diagnostic unit and done