So im in the last step of removing my carpet
Like always its never as easy as it sounds. Im at the last part where all carpet is separated from the horrible goo except the portion under the center HVAC unit. Is there a way i can just loosen it all up and move it up a little where there is enough room to pull it out ? Or do i must vent the freon..drain the heater core and take it all out.

Thanks

Dave

 

Cut it

Yes

 

You can remove it without cutting or removing the heater core. Take all the heater/air mix box bolts loose, use a scraper, and separate the black underlayer of the carpet from the stickiness on the trans tunnel. it takes some effort and contortion but after you have loosened all you can with the scraper slide your hands in and separate more. Once that is done fold the carpet from the back to the front, straddle the trans tunnel, and wiggle left and right using the cutout for the center dash bolting locations as hand holds. Avoid ripping the carpet and that location and just work it. It is hard, but if you keep working it, wiggling, and reaching in to push up it will come out.

If you can't get it you might need a bigger purse when you're done.

 

The big problem is the carpet is really wedged under the heater core is is REALLY stuck to the trans tunnel.

Personally I would remove the heater core. You should be able to remove it without removing the AC evaporator so you wouldn't have to discharge the AC refrigerant. It may take a little maneuvering or wiggling to get it out around the AC box but it's doable I believe.

If you're in this deep the heater core isn't much to remove compared to removing the whole dash and everything else to get there.

Dale

 

+1 it's straightforward once you've done it. Just document your steps, so you can back your way out easy. The real PITA is disconnecting all the blind harness clips and dropping the steering column, and getting the seats out without breaking stuff. Once you're that far you're almost home free. Ripping the carpet off the glue is the last hard part (heat helps), don't make it worse. Get your AC discharged and recharged and enjoy cold AC this summer and maybe some o-ring service while you're under there.