The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Aftermarket Heat/Air Combo Opinions

Well, I'm getting to the point of starting on inside stuff and doing my homework first.
Its a fact my Fresh Air heater will definately need a new core and the control valve rebuilt. Before I spend time and money on these I've been thinking the following.

That said I have been looking at aftermarket units that are suppose to be complete units with Heat and Air. There is a nice one that fits the contour of my AD panel and I'm thinking seriously about going that way since I'm modifying other stuff. Has anyone used one of these or has any experience with them.

Your opions welcomed.

Unless things have changed in the last year or so, there is no replacement core for the Fresh Air Heater, so you may want to keep that in mind.

Other than a photo of Marilyn Monroe there are few things more attractive that you can put under your dash than an original FAH.

Alvin, I have no experience of 'aftermarket' heaters,I've got a perfect original fresh air unit but due to lack of available serviceable heater cores I opted for the old British favourite.
My friend fitted one in his '52 and it was toasty!
An Austin Mini unit.
It's compact,self contained,cheap and best of all plentiful(at least over here).
They do turn up on ebay 'over the pond' occasionally.
Just my 0.02c.

I have a unit from old dog street rods and it works great. i think it is sourced from old air. i would opt for the electric controls if i had it to do over. you have seen it, it has the under dash controls. i thought it would be neat to make the control panel fit the ash tray.

I've seen it Ron but my memory is foggy to say the least. You wouldn't happen to have a pic would you. No hurry. I'm a ways off from needing it but I like to plan ahead. Thanks

vintage air offers a unit that contours under the dash and works great. Comes with everything you need. The one area you will need to look at is the compressor mount it is for a small block chevy not sure what you are running so look into that.
Also on mine I opted for the black knobs and relocted them and also made a center console. But the plain jane unit you get from them is complete with all controls
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/iceburgh/1953%20truck/IMG_0233.jpg
This picture shows my uncles truck with the controls in place
and also the unit. Itwill take away some of your glove box storage
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/iceburgh/franks%20truck/DSC01783.jpg

thanks iceburgh, I appreciate the info. I'm still in the reading/studying planning stages. I just want to make a decision I can live with.