It sounds like a 1953 air flow heater like this one.
1953 Air Flow
Or is it like this Deluxe Air Flow
Deluxe Air Flow
Deluxe Air Flow pic#2

If it is like the first picture,brand new reproduction heater cores are available from Jim Carter.They fit really nice,I had to bend the screw tabs a little to align them up.This core will not fit a Deluxe Air Flow Heater,The cores are different.
1947-1953 Reproduction Heater Core from Jim Carter

Here is a picture of a 1947-1952 Air Flow with the metal badge with tabs.The metal decal is glued onto the original one.
1947-1952 with metal badge

This may help you with your heater installation.
accessory manual

Don't forget to buy the decals for the defroster bracket and heater.

Good Luck,
Tim


1951 3100 Chevrolet
1951 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall
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