Out of curiosity, can anyone identify the “Franken” heater located in the pics below? This heater is presently on my 1954 3100 Hydra-Matic and I have been unable to find anything exactly like it in any of the threads. I know that it appears to have been modified to add the defroster and flap, but the basic structure appears to be just a heater and not a heater/defroster. Did the dealer sell a fresh air “heater” only? I have researched the “AD Heater Emblem” thread along with many others and I have not been able to identify anything like it (excluding the Frankenstein mods). Anyway, on another note, since I am struggling with trying to make my truck more presentable with this restoration, I recently purchased a very nice “Fresh Air” heater from a 1953 3100 truck (Harrison H-O2-47) and I am curious if the 1953 “Fresh Air” Heater/Defroster is something that would have been offered on a 1954 Truck, and if so was the cable used for the Heater/Defroster flap and not just the Recirculating Heater Flap? The cable control I have appears to say “Hood” (probably another Franken addition) and the Heater Switch I remember lights up red when it is on and is also unlike anything I have seen. I have seen the new cables for the 1954/55 1st Series so I plan on getting one for the new heater. I just finished freeing up the last wheel on the truck this week and if anyone doubts my resolve to complete this project, my wife and I just made a 14 hour “Road Trip” to Laurens, SC to get this 1953 Heater (it was a very good deal and the guy had used it as “Art Deco” in his office for years). The heater came out of a 1953 3100 in Montana that he modified with a LS motor and he was glad to see it find a home back in an old truck.
Cruisin' in the Passing Lane Former owner of a 1954 3100 w/Hydra-Matic "To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge." - Confucius
I am not sure why this was moved? I thought "Heaters" were a part of "General Truck Talk". Sorry
Last edited by SmithLakeChevy; 04/13/201911:18 PM. Reason: spelling
Cruisin' in the Passing Lane Former owner of a 1954 3100 w/Hydra-Matic "To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge." - Confucius
SmithLakeChevy, where is a heater mounted? Interior, right. Simple. That’s why your post was moved, since you asked.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily) ‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence) “I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
Thanks guys. Brad, I really do appreciate the education. I believe what I have, although not correct, is a much better looking heater than what is presently in the truck. I know my truck will never be exactly period correct but I do want it to look good when I finish, at least to the untrained eye. I believe I can make the cable work too and then I will not have to bend down under the dash to flip the switch. Martin, The reason I asked why the post was moved is because of the following statement.
General Truck topics, including, but not limited to:
wiper blades Accessories Visors Heaters Towing topics other than electrical related Emblems Speedometers Bumpers Decals Updates on your project progress ... and more.
I am trying to be careful to do things correctly because I believe this membership to be a true privilege and something to be cherished. This post included information about my "heater" and "updates on your (my) project progress". I would not have made near the progress I have made so far had it not been for the vast amount of information I have been able to get from this site.
I am finally able to move my truck now, but I have been accumulating parts along the way as I find them reasonably priced. I will be posting updates on my progress in the proper forum soon.
Again, thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way in this process.
Cruisin' in the Passing Lane Former owner of a 1954 3100 w/Hydra-Matic "To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge." - Confucius
Cruisin' in the Passing Lane Former owner of a 1954 3100 w/Hydra-Matic "To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge." - Confucius
Brad, I have one of those heaters with the cable operated narrow vertical door and the manually operated defrost lever. I always assumed that pulling on the cable knob opened the narrow vertical door while at the same time closed the bigger door, preventing outside air from coming through the lovers in the outer side cowl. In other words, the narrow vertical door will then become the intake for the heater, essentially changing this heater from a fresh air heater to a recirculating heater. Am I missing something? (I often do.) Carl
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
No, the small lever with the white knob pushes the air from cab discharge to the defroster ducts. It is just a directional flap on that small lever. My reference is more about the effect you gain with this heater with that door, it does dump a lot of heat.
No, the small lever with the white knob pushes the air from cab discharge to the defroster ducts. It is just a directional flap on that small lever. My reference is more about the effect you gain with this heater with that door, it does dump a lot of heat.
I understand that, but what I am trying to convey is that pulling the cable knob which opens the narrow door, while at the same time closes off air from the outside of the truck converts the heater to a recirculating heater. That certainly would, as you say, dump a lot of heat since there will not be any outside air mixed in. Carl
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
