The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 59 Deluxe heater switch fire

Let the smoke out of the dash a few weeks ago. Looks like the heater switch was the culprit. I think somehow the wiper arm hit those coils.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22133917@N06/2380736267/sizes/l/


Question is, a replacement switch from classic parts looks more original, but still has those coils on top.
http://www.classicparts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=68-322

The one from Brothers looks much different.
http://www.brotherstrucks.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HSW59DX

I'd rather get the one from Brothers as it is covered. Anyone have experience with either?

The one I have is like the top one, about the only problems I've had is a lack of proper fan control, seems only to want to run on high.
I do have one question for you. In the first pic, it looks like you have the controls mounted on the drivers side (I can see the ignition switch next to it). Did your truck come that way? All of the other Deluxe heaters I've ver seen have the controls on the passenger side. The position yours i in normally has the ash tray. Just curious.

the one from Classic Parts is the original style

I'm with Bill, looks like the control is in the wrong hole, and if any part of the wiper mechanism hit it that's why, but looks to me like the rheostat coil just failed and caused too much current draw

Bill

Nope, the heater control is on the passenger side.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22133917@N06/2132253128/sizes/l/
The switch was fine before the fire. It did run on low, but I would think that setting was pretty pointless as the fan did not move much air that way.

There is no bus or fuse box in the truck currently. The next major work aside from paint and body work is rewiring and adding a fuse box.

red58, I am going to paint it back to the original Cardinal Red like yours...unless I get the itch for a new color.