The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors best heater unit

I have a 1950 chevy 1 ton. I am looking to install the best heater that will bolt in. It will see service in very cold weather... sort of like NOW!

I know there are different versions of the heater/fan units... which is the best one for heat output, fresh air intake, etc. I was told the old recirculation units were not good if any moisture/snow/etc.

what years had the best heater units? pics of options on heaters would be nice if someone has any

thanks..gw

Well here is a picture of the two common factory heaters.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129448404/in/set-72157631868452754
A couple questions are you looking to remain old school correct? There are numerous street rod alternatives if you are not that others may have direct knowledge of. If you are looking at the original types then probably the best is the 1953-1st series 55 type with the door. I have lots of heater pictures for you to look through.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129313579/in/set-72157631868452754
With the small cab a good rebuilt heater should work great, I have not heard of the recirculating heater issue as you have stated. I do not use my truck with a recirculating heater in the cold but others probably do and they will chime in as to effectiveness.
The recirculating heater has a round core which is difficult to source, the Air-Flow core is now available in reproduction.

The "deluxe" Air Flow or Fresh Air heaters are quite nice and look more impressive than the Recirculating heater. They might be better at defrosting the windshield, because they do not have to recirculate the interior air. A replacement heater core is available for the 47-52 units.

Nonetheless, the recirculating heater is quite good. I have used one in a 1954 pickup on a 150 mile night-trip at 8 degrees F. I had just bought the truck and all of the window seals were bad/leaky. I was able to drive without gloves, with my coat unbuttoned. I have also used this style heater on long cold, rainy trips and the defrosting/defogging worked fine. The recirculating heater is easier to install and to plumb, and it has fewer parts to go bad. However, a replacement heater core is more expensive and requires professional/skilled installation.

Post a Want Ad in the Swap Meet for either/both heaters.

I didn't know you could buy cores for the recirculating heater. I have 2 of them here that leak.
Tim tonight should be a good test for a heater....

John

John,

My trucks are in hibernation - fear of salt damage, not fear of cold. The Fresh Air heater in my Suburban looks good but it has never worked very well. I have not fixed it because the truck sits dormant between mid November and mid April.

It was 50 degrees F this morning but it is heading to around zero tonight (it is a balmy 28 now).

I like the '54 heater I have here, it can be fresh air or recirculating, but I've never tested the core to see if it is any good or not.....

John

I would like to stay old school on options... basically a factory or period correct aftermarket heater... want one with good heat and good airflow for defrosting windows... are there hi-speed or 2 speed fan motors that can be upgraded?

the 1950 1 ton presently has a heater with an external air pickup and small vertical flap door next to cab sidewall.. also has a temp control valve on firewall ... were these available in 1950 ... or would this already be an upgraded heater? Looks like the deluxe style heater.

i will put pics on but dont seem to have sucess... any help?

Pictures would help identify the heater but it sounds like you may have the Air-Flow type. The motors have Hi-Lo speeds and replacement motors are available in 12-volt with similar capability. If you are planning on 6-volt you will probably need to locate NOS or good used. Look in the IT Short bus section for help on the posting of your pictures.