Charlie3 -

I replaced the 6v heater motor in my '54 3100 with a 12v motor from a '60 Impala. If you can find a similar motor, it may make the switch a little easier. The motor case is about 1/8" smaller diameter, but a new heater-firewall gasket for your '53 will fit tightly around it. It looks pretty much original. The mounting studs are about 1/16"+ closer together and will require a little filing on the heater case.

Finished installation

6v Left, 12v Impala Center (before sandblasting and painting), 12v AdvanceAuto Right

Some 'Bolters have removed the guts from their 6v motor cases and inserted a new 12v motor inside to keep the original look of the motor on the firewall side. The 12v aftermarket motor is smaller than the 6v case. Others have just bolted on the aftermarket motor as-is.

- Lonnie
My '54 3104
Photos that I have shared on Stovebolt via PhotoBucket are no longer available. Please contact me if you want a photo from an old post.
lonniecook [at] aol [dot] com. I sold my '54 3104 12/12/2017, but I still visit Stovebolt.

OLD STUFF ... houses, furniture, cars, wine ... I love it all