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Mazz
22-10-10, 10:47 AM
What's involved with changing a mk1 heater matrix guys?

Dash out job?
stevenf
22-10-10, 11:10 AM
According to to Haynes manual you have to take the dash out.
Mazz
22-10-10, 11:23 AM
grrr :(
1chiz
22-10-10, 04:15 PM
Are you sure you need the dash out steven?

My haynes says you need to remove the centre console and lower dash shelf but doesn't say you have to remove the dash. Section 12.13

Anyone done this and can confirm as i'm considering changing mine too.
bmw156
22-10-10, 04:16 PM
i always see it as a pain, as its one of the first things to go in the car
Edd
22-10-10, 04:30 PM
im pretty sure iv done one with the dash in
mowgli
22-10-10, 05:28 PM
with the console & controls off, it simply can't be held on by much..
Edd
22-10-10, 06:06 PM
6 8mm bolts hold the bottom cover of the heater box, take that off and you can remove the matrix
Adam
22-10-10, 06:08 PM
You dont need the dash out. I fitted mine after the dash was in.

As above, just a few bolts holding the cover, and then 2/3 bolts holding the matrix/casing.
Andy
22-10-10, 06:18 PM
meh mk1 dashes take 10mins to remove anyway!
Adam
22-10-10, 06:23 PM
This is also true, im pretty sure mine isnt even bolted in lol
Andy
22-10-10, 06:27 PM
the heater cables and wiring hold them in dont they?! lol
Adam
22-10-10, 06:28 PM
Got no heater cables in mine lol lol
Benn
22-10-10, 06:37 PM
While you have it out, make some bigger/better holes in the bottom cover.
Really changes the air flow to your feet.
Pistol Pete
22-10-10, 08:03 PM
6 8mm bolts hold the bottom cover of the heater box, take that off and you can remove the matrix

Was just about to say, surely you can remove the bottom part to change it. Edds post would say you can!
16v Nova Kev
22-10-10, 10:05 PM
you can deffo leave the dash in. just take the bottom cover off and remember to take the pipes off from the bulkhead.
Southie
22-10-10, 10:08 PM
I did mine 4 years ago and the dash stays in. Just remove the center console and lower shelf and remove the bolts to the lower half of the heater box, takes top side about an hour.
16v Nova Kev
22-10-10, 10:10 PM
dont even need to touch the center console imo.
Damo
22-10-10, 10:13 PM
Does the same apply to the mk2 dashes guys or does the dash have to come out?
Benn
23-10-10, 08:09 AM
Mk2 is just as easy.

Take both under dash trays out, take center console out(dont have too, just gives a bit more room), you can then see the bottom pan, 4x 8mm on each corner and it will pop off.

Un do the jubliees in the engine bay and pull pipes off, then you can pull the matrix out from under the dash. Careful of spillages.
Damo
23-10-10, 07:38 PM
Mk2 is just as easy.

Take both under dash trays out, take center console out(dont have too, just gives a bit more room), you can then see the bottom pan, 4x 8mm on each corner and it will pop off.

Un do the jubliees in the engine bay and pull pipes off, then you can pull the matrix out from under the dash. Careful of spillages.

Cheers benn muchos grasias.:thumb:

Rep if i can mate.
Mazz
23-10-10, 07:40 PM
Next question, where can you still them from?

£50 on t'bay :(
Southie
23-10-10, 07:50 PM
Try here Mazz, think this is where I got mine tbh http://www.carcooling.co.uk/catalog/Vauxhall_Nova_A_83_93-2810-1.html
mk1nova1.8
23-10-10, 08:06 PM
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vauxhall-Nova-Heater-Matrix-AC-Non-AC-111-/320606920479?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4aa5a95f1f
mk1nova1.8
23-10-10, 08:08 PM
do you know why yours has gone ? mine went because my head gasket had gone and it building up pressure in the system and blew my matrix .
Southie
23-10-10, 09:57 PM
do you know why yours has gone ? mine went because my head gasket had gone and it building up pressure in the system and blew my matrix .
Mine did exactly the same on my 1.4sr, my header bottle swelled up as well.

At the time I was doing 80 in the outside line of a motorway when it exploded, very scary to say the least.
Mazz
23-10-10, 10:00 PM
Nope, it just started leaking :( No signs of HG gone, just water on the mats/bottom of the blower
Benn
23-10-10, 11:19 PM
Nope, it just started leaking :( No signs of HG gone, just water on the mats/bottom of the blower

Mine does that, but its water getting in via the fan.

I've drilled drain holes in the base of the fan as they are shaped like cups.
1chiz
24-10-10, 12:38 AM
What are the signs that your matrix has gone?
mowgli
24-10-10, 10:51 AM
all the coolant in the interior of your car, and not in your engine
Mike
24-10-10, 12:16 PM
Mazz you can get the matrix out without dash removal, its tight but possible.

Ive also got a perfect condition matrix rad (not the complete matrix, just the rad) but from a Corsa, will probably fit, your if its any good.