Heater Box Restoration

[7E-Bodies]

Working with Glen-Ray (a true joy!), I've now got my heater core which is nothing short of perfection. My non AC (original) heater box is about as perfect as I could've asked minus a few dime sized chips along the flange area where the two halves of the shell meet, more than likely from the postage sized clips that go around it. I know someone had been into it back in 1984, because the core was a repop with an '84 sticker on it, however, Bob at Glen-Ray had an original that he'd gotten stuck with some time ago and I'm grateful. He said it was from a hemi car project that the owner couldn't wait any longer for, so my value, horsepower and torque should increase exponentially 
My main question here: does anyone have a step by step procedure for restoring properly a heater box? I poked around with searches here and maybe missed a prior thread that addresses this. I sure wish @Cuda Cody had made one of his videos on this (in his spare time!). The previous owner had already purchased a rebuild kit with all the foam/gaskets/etc. that I plan to utilize. Possibly,  I'm overthinking this since the entire device looks incredibly simple. The blower motor is headed for Topher soon as well. Any guidance appreciated.

[Skdmark]

I did an AC box this summer with a seal kit from DMT. It came with instructions.
Might want to check with DMT to see if you can get a set  of instructions for a non-AC.

Take lots of pictures of everything before and during disassembly. Clean everything real well.
Article on non-AC rebuild
https://moparconnectionmagazine.com/comeback-cuda-heater-box-reboot-rebuilding-an-e-body-non-a-c-heater-box/

Article on doing the AC box as they are more involved to rebuild.
Some of the tips would carryover to a non-AC box.
https://www.hotrod.com/articles/1971-plymouth-cuda-gets-heater-ac-box-refreshed-restored/

Bob at Glen-Ray is good people. He did my heater core, AC evaporator and radiator this summer.

If you have any questions post them up.

[7E-Bodies]

Much appreciated, @Skdmark !

[Cuda Cody]

It's really simple and once you get started you'll figure it pretty quick.  And if you get stuck, just post some photos and ask.... there's always someone willing to help.

[Skdmark]

Here's what I needed on my AC rebuild, besides the seal kit. Your needs may vary..

Camera
Simple Green
Fine scotch brite pads
0000 steel wool
Lacquer thinner or an adhesive remover
That horrible yellow 3M weatherstrip adhesive in tube
3M Super 77 spray adhesive
Clear coat
Small putty knife
Razor blades
Gloves
Rags
Paper towels
Usual hand tools
Large enough work area to spread things out
Some child labor to scrape 50 year old gasket residue
Tunes
Beverage of choice (last, but not least)

My AC box rebuild from last summer. Around post 16
https://forum.e-bodies.org/your-restoration-project-roseville-moparts/10/71-barracuda-ev2-h5xv/17032/15

[dodj]

Thanks for posting this links skdmark. I'm looking into redoing my heater box this spring.  Should be helpful 

[R/T's 4 R/P]

is there a way to improve the look of the reproduction fronts to make them have the same appearance as the rest of the box?  Or, maybe it's making the old parts look like the new parts?
I know the edge (the typical portion that breaks) is thicker, so you need to remove some material to make it look original.

[Skdmark]

is there a way to improve the look of the reproduction fronts to make them have the same appearance as the rest of the box?  Or, maybe it's making the old parts look like the new parts?
I know the edge (the typical portion that breaks) is thicker, so you need to remove some material to make it look original.

I have yet to read a positive review for the reproduction fronts.
More than colors being off (dark brown vs black), it's the texture of the fibre reinforced plastic on the original that the current repro lacks.
The non-AC  article I posted above even mentions getting a repro front and returning it.

I have seen repairs to originals that others have done that were quite impressive.

[Cuda_mark]

It's really simple and once you get started you'll figure it pretty quick.  And if you get stuck, just post some photos and ask.... there's always someone willing to help.

@Cuda Cody The front piece of that box looks perfect. Do you have any more in that good of shape that you want to sell??

[Cuda Cody]

I don't want to ship heater boxes.  To easy to get damaged.

Also, mat clear does wonders to bring back the look of new on these heater boxes fiberglass sections.

[JS29]

@7E-Bodies  Get a hold of Mike Ross at BE+A. He repaired and painted one that looked like new. 

[Topcat]

Where can I get the putty rope at?
I never saw it on DMT's website

[anlauto]

It's in their kit, maybe give them a call, or just check your local hardware store the window/screen section.

[toadstool]

FYI, it doesn't look like that in the kit. It is a strip that is about 12" long, 3/4" wide with 6 or so groves in it that have to be separated

[Katfish]

Good info,  anyone ever rebuild an AC box and delete the heater?
I'm in Florida and will never EVER use the heater.
I see lots of vacuum lines controlling things, I'm wondering if I could eliminate a bunch of stuff if it was only going to be in the AC position?