The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Desirable Heater

Guys,

Was curious for an opinion. I have two different styles of heater (parts truck and restoring truck. One is the round style, one is more square.

Which one is more desirable? Is there a difference? Anything particular to examine while I have it out and am R&R on it.

Also, was it painted the same color as the cab, or was it slightly different. I remember reading that there was a rustoleum Hammertone paint that was close to right. Thanks in advance.

What brand and year truck? 1949 Chevrolet?

Can you post links to photos the heaters you have? They could be factory heaters (two styles for Chevrolet trucks in 1949) or non-GM heaters.

The GM heaters were painted a different color from the interior color.

1949 Chevrolet 3800 and 1948 Chevy 6100. I know the one in the 49 has a chevrolet badge on it, and pulls fresh air from the passenger cowl

The one in the 6100 is round and I don't think it mounts to the cowl. I'm leaning towards the one that was stock in the truck.

Need a picture to be sure but it sounds like you have whats called a fresh air heater in the 3800. They are desirable if the heater core is good. You also need heater valve to control the water flow/temp. My truck had a round Harrison heater with a motor. Sounds like what you might have in the 6100. Called a recirculating heater because it just warms the air already in the cab. Mine didn't have any defrost provisions. Some recirculating heaters do have defrost provisions. They usually have a Chevy/GMC badge. I think the majority, if not all, the dealer installed heaters were made by Harrison.

Chuck

jon,

As you can most likely tell from the replies above, it is dangerous to give an opinion "flying blind". The heater could be the more common round GM recirculating heater (as noted by Chuck). If you want to be sure you will choose a GM heater, try to post a photo or choose one of these.

Depends on how much heat they put out IMHO.

I have one of each of those that you posted on that link Tim. the 6100 is the warm air recirc, and the 3800 is the fresh air heater. I have all the components, just need make sure it all works. No leaky heater core, the thermal regulator works, etc. I know the blower motor works. So...i'll probably keep the fresh air unit. Which begs the question, what color does it get painted? Same as cab, or is it a little different shade of brown? Thanks

http://www.chevsofthe40s.com/shop/s...p;dept=Truck&searchtype=FT&Go=Go

http://www.oldchevytrucks.biz/47_55/full.asp?page=142

Some people (and vendors) say brown crinkle/hammertone (or silver brown) and some say gray/silver hammertone.

What color is the one that came out of your truck?