Sometimes you just have bad luck. Heater Box.

[In The Ten Ring]

My dad and I had used RTV silicon to glue down the big gasket on the heater box prior to the attempt to get it back on to the truck today. However, a certain knucklehead managed to catch just the gasket on one of the two studs protruding from the firewall pulling that gasket right off the heater box! (I'm that knucklehead).

I was good though: no cursing, no yelling, no real reaction other than shock. At least the gasket was intact.

So we glued it down again! We'll try again tomorrow.....sometimes you just have bad luck.

At least I got you guys a pic of how we clamped it all down while the silicon cures.

[special-K]

An old boy I know taught me to use weatherstrip adhesive on gaskets. Works like a charm, but too late for that now. You'll get it done!

[GASoline71]

Gasket? I think those were glued to the firewall from the factory.

I used 3m Window Weld. It's a pliable soft round strip. You buy it in rolls. I don't remember if I used a 1/4" or 3/8" bead. Got it at the local auto parts house. It just sticks right in the recessed area of the heater box.

Never had a leak or problem with it.

Gary

[In The Ten Ring]

Now you guys tell me and even show me a pic.

Oh ya, GM glued this thing on with A LOT of glue! I was just trying to use the gasket I payed GMC Paul for. Weatherstrip adhesive? Ugh. I'll try that if this go fails. Thanks.

But do you like my clamping?

[GASoline71]

Oh man... I just looked and didn't know you had been fighting this box and the whole ordeal... I just stumbled upon this thread. Sorry dude... I'm always late.

Gary

[In The Ten Ring]

It's been a long, drawn out process! I first removed this thing last year and began the clean up. I derusted and repainted all the parts, but since I was advised not to remove the flapper to paint the inside of it, I had to leave that to flash rusting again.

I asked a ton of questions and got it back together pretty well. I ended up having excellent results with 1/8 inch diameter 1/2 inch gripping area aluminum rivets and I was able to use a steel 1/8 inch washer on all but one rivet. I like how that turned out.

I put in a new heater core that I had pressure tested but I couldn't get the foam gasket to work with it. Grumpy Old Man sent me some foam pieces for around the tubes, those worked far better than what GMC Paul's kit had.

What happened today was annoying but hopefully dad and I will get it tomorrow. I have decided to jack up the front end and remove the passenger front wheel....that should allow better access to the firewall since this thing is rather heavy and awkward for one man to hold.

Murphy's Law and I have really gotten introduced concerning this task but it's been a learning experience. The real hold up right now is getting the new body panels painted so a little delay on this isn't that big of a deal.

[special-K]

I'd say that a great job of holding that gasket in place. If nothing else, it will intimidate it into not moving even if the clamps don't work. Gitter done is all that matters. Whatever it take. Better go get a patent on that!

Been working on these trucks for many years. Know them inside and out, top to bottom, end to end, and I still have those kind of days. Fasteners disappearing I had the where with all to place in a specific container. Hmm, I guess that one decided to hop out and run away. Threads that just won't start, but another generic one will and the correct one fits other threads. How does that happen? I have felt there is an cynical unseen power hovering over me that gets a kick out of aggravating me. MWAH HAH HAH HAH. I look up and it's never there. But, I still talk to it...sometimes very loudly. That's when I notice my neighbor giving me a funny look

And that is why I tear into these trucks purely for pleasure and relaxation

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=709670

[Willie Makeit]

clothes pins work great to hold gaskets in place while adhesive/rtv dries. cheap too.

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by Willie Makeit

clothes pins work great to hold gaskets in place while adhesive/rtv dries. cheap too.

Great idea!

Special K: "shop gremlins".....

[cleszkie]

Just don't glue both sides of the gasket. Or next time you need to swap out the heater core you won't be able to get the housing off the firewall without mangling it.

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by cleszkie

Just don't glue both sides of the gasket. Or next time you need to swap out the heater core you won't be able to get the housing off the firewall without mangling it.

Good point! All I did to the other side was to clean off the front of the firewall.

Here it is back on, in all it's greyish glory! We got it on about 2 hours ago.

[GASoline71]

The Window Weld is pliable and you can pull the box off with a little effort, but it won't destroy it.

I know that doesn't do any good now...

Gary

[67swb72klb]

The window ribbon is what I have always used it is just butyl it will seal but you will be able to get the box back off much easier if you ever have to

[In The Ten Ring]

Well guys, keep the advice coming. Knowing me I'll have to redo this at least 3 more times.

[GASoline71]

Hey that sounds like my project!

Gary