Capri Heater - Part 2

These are the pictures taken when I restored the Capri. Things were a lot less complicated in 1970 compared to the Subaru of 1990 (20 years difference). Whilst the heater box is still a metal or plastic box with a radiator & various flaps, the Subaru has heaps more wires & is connected to the air conditioning controls. They both require you to be an acrobat when trying to work on them but the Subaru was built around the heater box by Japanese people with small hands & standing on their heads! I wonder what a new 2013 Subaru Liberty or Audi would be like to work on - that is another 23 years difference.



When I did this I used a number of things that I have learnt in restoring the Capris, such as:
1. Before you even start, get a workshop manual and do as much research on the internet as you can. There were a number of illustrated stories from others who had done the same with their Subaru. I also got very extravagant and bought myself an Ozito lithium screwdriver for $30 from Bunnings which was great for this job. 
2. Don't underestimate the time something like this takes. Even the manual can make things sound not too difficult, like, unclip the wiring from the back of the dash board. This took me about an hour, using mirrors, small screwdrivers and with arms & hands caught in narrow spaces. Train an octopus!
3. Have loads of patience, a good back, a flexible neck, good eyesight & good hearing. I have none of these & when my hearing aides whistle, or my glasses fog up, or my back & neck ache, it is time for a Kit Kat!
4. Take heaps of pictures & at every stage. I constantly was referring back to these when I was re-assembling & I wish, in some instances, that I had taken more. I had to confirm one wiring connection (rear window demister) was missing & I finally found it due to the colour in the photo.
5. Label all the wiring & connectors. I usually use masking tape wrapped around the wire with where it goes. The Subaru was made a little easier with each connection having it own colour & type of connection that made it impossible to connect the wrong wires. This car had extras such as the immobiliser & spot lights which made it more fun!
6. Keep all the screws for each section together. I use envelops or plastic bags & label them. eg radio. I also tape clips & screws to the trim that they come from. I though I did pretty well but ended up with 4 extra screws from the radio area. I have no idea where these went!
7. When you think you have finished, make another check. With the heater, I had to drain all the radiator fluid & then make sure all the clamps & hoses were tight & correct.
8. After everything is back together & working, reward yourself by running around the yard naked, yelling " It's finished! It's finished!" Well, perhaps a coldie might be more appropriate or for me, it's a heat pack on my back! I'll never do it again-until the next time.