The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Fresh Air Heater

How is the Fresh Air Heater different from the "standard air heater"?? Thanks Guys!

fresh air heater can pull air through louvres on the side of the truck or recirculate air...the std heater just recirculates air in the cab

Here is a picture of the two styles from the 54 Accessories folder:

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2969909800102454676vjnWwH

The 1953-55 Fresh Air heater (sometimes called an Air Flow heater) also had an interior door to allow "recirculation" of interior air (this door was not found on 47-52 Fresh Air heaters).

Brad,Bryan and tclederman,
Thanks for the information you guys provided. Now I know for certain that I have the Fresh Air Heater in my truck. I am under the impression that the hoses were disconnected because the core was leaking. Do you guys know if a radiator shop can repair the core if such is the case? Thanks!

Depends on how bad it is rotted out. I've seen many of them repaired. I have no got that far along on my project yet but I would also think if you go to a shop that they can find a new one that will fit or one that can be modified to fit....which is what I recommend. No use in having this kind of problem down the road after we have spent quite a bit on other things!!

Achipmunk,I'm thinking along those lines too. I'd hate to leave it be and then find out it leaks likes mad. Appreciate the help,Thanks!

I just had my heater core done this summer on my 52 and they recored it with modern core and used the top and bottom of the old one they looked for a long time to see if there was a core that would fit but there is nothing "new" so I ended up getting it recored if the shop does a good job it will be just as good as a new one ,it's not cheap but there is not much you can do about it.

Pete

Just an observation: leaks can be at the core, the heater control valve (if equipped,) the hoses, and the connections.

Bill

Pete52,
I called a few radiator shops hoping to recore my Radiator, and the price they quoted me was more than if I would have purchased a new one. I am aware that it will cost me a shiny wooden nickel. Thanks.

TxLaTx,
I will be purchasing the heater hoses and reconnecting them. It is equipped with a heater control valve, and so I will keep an eye on that as well when I make all the connections and turn up the heat.

Thanks.

You were asking about the heater core,you can't buy a new one so they kinda got us over a barrel,but I am surprised that you can't get the rad. recored for cheaper than a new one.In my area rad shops I guess are cheaper.

Pete

That's why most people move out of California, way expensive! Like I mentioned, I did my research on the Rad and if I am going to pay high dollar, it might as well be for a New one! It's the cost of rebulding a Classic..

If you can get the heater cored repaired Tom Myers in Miami Ok has repaired cores on the shelf, for both the recirc and fresh air type.

I recently purchased a 55 1st series and I have a big square heater that is under the dash that is too bulky. I was wondering if it was a stock heater or if it is a replacement of some kind that I can get rid of without worrying too much.

That is an aftermarket, non-GM heater (at least not from 1955).

I would look for a tag there were lots of aftermarket heaters available back then. Sears, Montgomery-Ward, Sunbeam ect. Factory heaters, Air-Flow or recirculating were big bucks in dollars of the day not everybody could afford factory or dealer installed.