The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Are all air flow heaters the same?

Post some more pics and measurments before you start whacking the cowl inner panel. I'll try to take some similar pics of my installation to see where we differ. Include some pics of the heater. There may be a part installed incorrectly. I'm sure that the collective brains on Stovebolt can figure it out.

It takes a little "maneuvering" to get the two support braces, the blower motor, the air intake, and intake mounting holes to all line up at the same time. I've cussed more than once. If the heater or inner cowls are freshly painted, then protect them with some blue tape while you move the heater around to find out why it's not mounting.

Part of the air intake goes inside of the cowl inner panel heater opening.

Are you sure that the hole in the dash mat for the blower motor is directly in line with the hole in the corresponding hole in the firewall? The mat may have shifted.

Does the hole in the mat for the Ranco valve align with opening in the firewall? If not, then that is an indication that the dash mat is not positioned correctly. I believe that reproduction mats have punch-out indentions for the valve, motor, and braces.

You may need to cut out a square in the dash mat under each of the two support braces to get them to sit against (are nearly against) the metal firewall. This made a big difference the last time I removed/installed the AirFlow heater in my '54.

After all the smoke clears, you may find out that yes indeed - the cowl, or heater, or sumpin else is totally screwed up and needs a BFH to make it fit!

- Lonnie