The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 6 volt heater switch

Anybody have pictures of the original 6 volt heater control switch for a 1950 Chev 1 ton. Can't find a switch in the wiring schematic either.

Here's the switch:
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/121545940
Here's the schematic:
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/accessories/1951am/51aim38.htm

DG

Does the below info mean the recirculating/dash heater had 3 speed switch and the fresh air heater had a 2 speed switch?
They look identical.
1929-57 Master Parts Catalog
Group number 8.852 PARTS, Hot Water Heater Controls
34-55 Comm., Utility 1st ser SWITCH (high, medium and low w/dash htr) part #3126693
47-55 Comm., Utility 1st ser SWITCH (High-Low use w/Air Flow htr) part #3128267

Has anyone had a 3 speed switch in their hand? part #3126693
You would think the fresh air heater would have the 3 speed switch.

NOS 54 Chevy ALL TRUCKS Recirculating Heater Accessory *PARTIAL UNIT* GM 986896,
Read Description Heater Switch 3126693 (exceptionally nice)
eBay Motors 3126693 3 speed ?

eBay Motors 3128267 2 speed (scroll down)
eBay Motors 3128267 2 speed (scroll down)

Yes, that is exactly what that means.
And yes I do have an original 3126693
switch in my '54 with a recirculating heater.

I've got deluxe heater in my '50 and it has
the original two position high-low toggle
switch in it.

Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Heater Switch on Ebay

Pricy but looks good.

Denny Graham
PHOTO
The above photo from your photo album, I assume because of the 2 copper contacts is the 2 speed switch.
Do you have a photo of a dissembled 3126693, 3 speed switch?

3125380 heat

...fog...

I have a three speed one that has 'heat' on the toggle. What is the correct heater application for this switch. BTW, when you have this one set on low speed, I believe you could make toast with the back side of it if you moved the bread around.
Carl

3 speed switch part # 3126693 went with this Recirculating heater part # 986554
2 speed switch part # 3128267 went with this Deluxe/Fresh Air/Air Flow Heater part # 986104

The heaters both have 6 volt motors and I really don't think it matters what switch goes with what heater.
The resistor is going to get hot no matter what.
It has to resist or hold back the extra voltage, which creates heat.

My NOS GMC Recirculating heater had this with it.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129352382/in/set-72157631868452754

Mine looks like yours Brad

The box was open on the switch I have,
The number I posted may not be correct?

No I do not have a three speed disassembled. Many of these
switches were replace because the contacts go sour or the
resistor gets damaged.
The long rivets to reassemble them have to be made special they
are not available from any of the rivet suppliers in that
length. The bad contacts have to be hand made. And the resistor
can be rewound with the correct resistance wire and should be
repotted with a high temperature ceramic as was originally
done. This is only available in large quantities from
Sauereisen ceramics as far as I know.
Because this switch is inexpensively replace with the rotary
type these are usually discarded. I put out a plea for cadavers
a few years ago because if I could get enough of them I would
rebuild them but I got no response and had to throw in the
towel on that project.

DG

Ok thanks for the pictures and all other related articles, the 1 I have is a rotary switch with off in the middle and slow and fast on opposite sides c/w small 6 volt light bulb in the cap. I'll try to post a picture later today.
Quite possibly a aftermarket add on as Denny has mentioned.

I'm using the lighted rotary switch with the light.

I converted to 12volt.


I find the lighted switch is very useful.
...pic...

I recently purchased NOS 1954/55 light-gray-colored heater "toggle" switches: an AIR switch and a HEAT switch.

The HEAT switch has three settings/positions
The AIR switch has two positions/settings.

I would not have noticed this until reading this post.

Tim,
When you look at the HEAT switch that has the three settings/positions,
How many resistor wire connections are there connected to the back of the switch?
This PHOTO does not give me a good shot of the resistor and or the back of the switch.
I'm not sure but the fuse might block a clear view to see the resistor wire connections.
Thanks,

The xxxx693 switch uses a center tap on the resistor. The
resistor is out of the circuit in the full speed, second speed
puts the center tap to the end or half the resistance in the
circuit and 3rd. gear puts the whole 3ohms in the circuit.
There will only be an in and out screw connection for the wires.

DG
DG

I have added a side-shot photo of the
two switches in this photo album.

side-shot:
- left is air flow AIR switch : two leads, two speeds
- right is recirculating HEAT switch : three speeds, three leads

my 46 GMC had 2 switches for a deluxe heater with 2 separate fans, one labeled 'heat' for air to the floor, one labeled 'def' for air to the defrost tubes only [don't recall how many positions each had]

Bill

Well looky here, I thought I had one.
Not sure on the part number but is says HEAT on the toggle. And its a 3 speeder. Minus a Fuse
Pic 1
Pic 2
Pic 3
Can't get it to read correctly at the moment.
More Pictures to come.
Gotta get some Shut Eye.

Just a point of clarification on correct switches for these heaters. The correct switch as discussed varies with heater type. The correct switch is the flat Delco or Cole-Hersee, rotary switches were not furnished with the recirculating, air flow or the 1947 version of the standard or deluxe heater carryover kits. There are a couple reasons for this:
1. The dash is punched to accept this switch and the adjoining hole is for the corresponding fog light switch, also flat so they go side-by-side.
2. It makes no sense to offer other brands when you have divisional alternatives available.
While I agree a lighted switch is a handy item they are not the correct switch in this application.
Air flow hardware.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129413707/in/set-72157631868452754
Recirculating hardware.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129444438/in/set-72157631868452754
1947 Standard/Deluxe hardware.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129307001/in/set-72157631868452754
Fog light switch.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129466604/in/set-72157631868452754

Well if the Delco or Cole-Hersee is the correct switch
then the switch I have is a after market unit.
It sure looks like the other Flat toggle switches.
Does yours have Delco or Cole-Hersee on back of the switch?
Mine says on the back (ARK LES)pic below.

Below is a resistance TEST going thru the switch.
Switch position OFF open circuit,-------------------- no reading
Switch position HIGH closed circuit, no resistance,-0 ohms
Switch position MEDIUM closed circuit,-------------- 1.1 ohms
Switch position LOW closed circuit,------------------ 1.7 ohms

Below is a resistance TEST of the resistor.
Resistor tap 1 to Fan motor lead ------ 0 ohms
Resistor tap 2 to Fan motor lead ----1.1 ohms
Resistor tap 3 to Fan motor lead ----1.7 ohms

Does not look like the resistance on the MEDIUM and LOW settings would slow the FAN very much.

The resistor ring rivets were corroded.
This was creating screwy ohm readings.
I used DeoxIT D5 spray and re-crimped.

The Switch Maker (ARK LES) is on back of switch.

Other Pics
Pic A
Pic B
Pic C
Pic D
Pic E

Switch Photo Album
Photobucket functions better when you start viewing from Photo Album.

Correct switch says Delco-Remy on the side if it does not say anything it is usually the Cole-Hersee version. ARK LES made a lot of switches, however it is not the correct switch, but no one would probably know.
You can see the Delco lettering on this example.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129327386/in/set-72157631868452754

Brad, do you realize how many of us you make sick with all of the awesome stuff you have? We need to do a poll in the Greasy Spoon, probably shut it down for foul language.

Incorrect.

Just because the switch is not marked with the Delco Remy logo on the side, does not mean it is "not correct".

As a matter of fact I have seen a lot of Delco Remy marked switches that were not correct for the AD trucks.

Here is a correct NOS AD truck switch in the original GM box that does not sport the Delco Remy or the Ark-less logo.

[IMG]http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1568/13678754/24528751/409020132.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1568/13678754/24528751/409020131.jpg[/IMG]


The actual "correct" switch depended on the heating system installed and the switches varied depending on if the truck was ordered with a heater and it was installed by the factory , or if the dealer installed the heater with a dealer packaged heater.
Things get even more foggy if you take into account the replacement GM switches or separate defroster units that were sold by the GM parts department.




.

You should re-read my post, unmarked switches usually Cole-Hersee are correct and were supplied through GM. ARK LESS switches are not supplied with NOS heaters, nor is there any evidence they were supplied by the factory. I know you take great satisfaction in taking the opposite view from me in every post. At least do me the courtesy of reading and quoting me correctly. Things get foggy now some 70 years later, really you think?

Just did a gm wiki search on the number that is on the box of the switch I have 3125380
...GM wiki...
From the 1951 GMC truck parts book ...link...

After looking closely at the switch I have ,I noticed markings on the back between the fuse and resister

...ARK-LES... it is 3 position with two terminals on the back. Wiki states if for an 1951 GMC truck with economy heater.


Like I stated earlier, I installed one of those aftermarket lighted rotary switches, also used a lighted aftermarket switch for my back up b-31.


Ebay seller of the switch I purchased could of just used that box with markings and put this switch in it for sale.

Mr Simplex, while Brad's vast collection of NOS parts makes me sick to my stomach with envy, his knowledge and thoughtful delivery of it is commendable. I can only suggest that you work on your delivery, as it comes off as judgmental, confrontational and unnecessarily harsh. I am sure that you have knowledge of value to the folks visiting this site, and we are always looking for different findings from everyone.
Carl

red58,

Looks like the 'def' switch was a 2 speeder.
1929-57 Master Parts Cat.
Group # 9.779 DEFROSTER PARTS, Windshield
47-48 ALL ...SWITCH ASSY.,(high and low) part #3120407

ebay NOS 1947-1948 CHEVROLET DASH DEFROSTER UNIT #986132....... For car
ebay GM NOS DEFROSTER SWITCH

Found this ARK LES heater switch, of which the original box states ARK LES heater switch for Chevrolet. Does this mean that this is an original ARK LES switch for Chevrolet supplied to GM, or is this an aftermarket ARK LES switch made specifically for Chevrolet? Just looking for
clarification.

http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b528/atldoverde_58/ARKLESheaterswitchChevrolet_zps4d19ba66.jpg


Thanks,

Tim

If you mean, is this the switch used by GM that was installed on Chevrolet trucks.
According to Brad Allen, in the above POST. ....No
Original switches were Delco-Remy or Cole-Hersee
ARK LES heater switches were a replacement aftermarket switch made for the Chevrolet truck heaters .

The thing is the Fresh Air & Recirculating heaters, I thought, were accessories, that were sold & installed by the Chevrolet dealer.
Which raises another question, could you order a factory installed heater when buying a new truck from a Chevrolet dealer?

If the dealer installed the heaters, where were they getting the heaters from?
If this is the case, how would you know for sure who the manufacture of the switches were, that came with the heater boxes/kit?
I know that the heater boxes were manufactured by Harrison.
Maybe that's who the Chevrolet dealers were getting the heaters from.
Someone had to gather all the parts and put them in a cardboard box.

My hunch is if the heater was installed at the factory (if that was possible), a Delco-Remy or Cole-Hersee switch was used.
If the heater was installed by the Chevrolet dealer a ARC LES switch was used.

Who knows what the dealer was using, they just wanted to close the sale on the truck.

Jorb,

I agree with your hunch! Thank you for the explanation. We are talking just post war vehicles in 1949. I have the same opinion you do. The Chevrolet dealers got the parts where they could, in the quickest possible fashion in order to close the sale. Delco-Remy, Cole-Hersee or Ark-Les. The switch came from the vendor who had them readily available.

Thanks again,

Tim

Here is what I know, you can draw whatever conclusions you wish.
Heaters for AD trucks are accessories not factory options, they carry a part number not an RPO (see the 1947-48 exception to this rule in my later post). There are three distinct heater types, the early version in some 47-48's that was a carryover from the 1941-46 years. This heater when equipped with the defroster (Deluxe) comes with two Delco or Cole-Hersee switches.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/15859483512/in/set-72157631868452754
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/15860119645/in/set-72157631868452754
The recirculating unit comes with the one switch, all of these I have seen have been Delco.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129444438/in/set-72157631868452754
The Air-Flow style unit again comes with a switch as part of the kit I have seen Cole-Hersee and Delco.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129413707/in/set-72157631868452754
The unit comes with all the parts to install because nothing is installed on the line, block-off plates cover the holes, the rest is not included. This is a flat rate job with price guides quoting both the installed and list (unit) price.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8131119579/in/set-72157631872034068
For dealer (or owner) installed heaters other than the three mentioned above there were numerous manufacturers, Alvin, Montgomery-Ward, Firestone, Sears, B.F. Goodrich, etc. you could have any number of switch and installation parts included of course. https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8377831744/in/set-72157631868452754
Now if a dealer bought his own GM manufactured units (complete kits) which makes sense since they are a dealer (expected to purchase a yearly defined quota). Those units were assembled and distributed by the General Motors Parts Division (many NOS parts are marked this way) those units in my experience contain Delco or Cole-Hersee switches, not Ark-Les.
For comparative purposes in the period of time I am talking about, GM was the second largest employer in the world (Soviet State Industries was first). In 1955 GM became the first company to pay over $1billion in yearly taxes. They had the necessary divisional products (or partner products) to fill these kits and their dealer's parts shelves.

Brad,

So were the Ark Les switches aftermarket as a replacement for the Delco Remy and Cole-Hersee switches?

Tim

I do believe that is exactly the case. It would be no different now if you went to your local FLAPS to purchase a headlight switch and they handed you a Bosch equivalent or similar. I have never seen them in the kits and if you went to a GM dealer parts counter and asked for a replacement switch it just makes sense you would get a part from the General Motors Parts Division in most cases.
Look at this switch box detail, that is a lot of models spread over 20 years covered by one switch. How difficult is it for the local dealer to say keep four on hand that covers 20-years of vehicles.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/15256453904/in/set-72157631868452754
As far as the Ark-Les switch goes they look similar enough that most people would never know the difference, but that wasn't the question.

So follow-up to the factory installed or accessory item question for heaters. The 1947 and 1948 books do not show the recirculating heater but the earlier version shown below. This is listed as an accessory item.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/15674350367/in/set-72157631868452754
The next photo shows the Fresh-Air (Air-Flow later) as option number 385. This would indicate that at least for AD's of 1947-48 this heater was a factory installed option.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/15257465364/in/set-72157631872034068
The 1949 book shows this heater had gone to the accessory list and for the remainder of the AD run this is how they appear.

Brad,

Many thanks for ALL the information!!

Tim

You have to consider that, when on the medium and low settings, the resistor on the back of the switch, gets really hot.
Therefore the switch probably didn't last very long and had to be replaced during the life of the truck.

One thing that they do with modern switches is they separate the switch from the resistor. Picture
The selector switch is mounted on the dash and the resistor is mounted inside the heater duck work. Picture
The fan circulates air pass the hot resistor, cooling it down.
Which may make it last longer.
Also adds a little heat to the circulating air.

I was thinking that this could be done with the older Delco or ARC-LES switches.
Use the same switch and remove the resistor on the back and mount it inside the heater box.
But then it wouldn't be stock.

FYI, this 1949 Chevrolet Truck GM Vehicle Information Kit, PDF page 49, actual page 99. Top of the page,
Accessories
Definition: Items made available at extra cost through the parts and accessories department and installed by the customer or his dealer.

So that means the customers or the dealer could have installed the accessories.

Jorb,

Thank you too for ALL the information!! You guys are a GREAT help!! SO MUCH INFORMATION HERE FOR THE REST OF OUR MEMBERS!! Thanks again!!

Tim

Brad and Jorb,

Just on other comment....There is a listing for a heater switch and fog light switch on E-Bay from a guy in Auburn Hills, Michigan who claims these switches are NOS Ark Les switches supplied by GM in the original boxes. They are asking $265.00 for the heater switch and $270.00 for the fog light switch. The boxes look authentic. I guess a lot of mis-informed individuals out there? What gives?

Tim