[64elko]

hello
This is for any one who has done this swap ..

I have a 53 five window and need a heater for this winter,,I need heater swap that works .. my budget for this swap is only $100.00 bucks... now i am ok with the wrecking yard parts....... i can adapt if needed as long as it is not cutting out the firewall for it to work....

Thanks

[DanTwoLakes]

Moving this to General Rodding Tech.

Dan

[dannronn]

This was a very good question, I to am loooking for a doner heater for my 48 Chevy coupe. I can't find the post and why did you move it anyway?

[Irelands child]

Most likely both of you will need to find something in a salvage yard that specializes in pre-'49 cars, and back when a heater was an option. Pick ups are especially good for these optional heaters. Anything newer - mostly will have every thing built in as OEM. Also, bump up that budget and look at Vintage Air's heater offering. I have one in my '31 and have to say that it really blasts hot air

[matt167]

Check in a few Jeeps. There could be a Mohave or other aftermarket self contained heater in 1.

I think Vintage Air's smallest self contained heater is only $150 but has no defrost ( you can buy the plenum seperate )

[MARTINSR]

Back before the days of heaters being standard equipment there were ZILLIONS made and sold on the market to "update" your car. There are too many to list but below are a few examples. On ebay right now there are a few hundred priced well in your price range. They are EXTREMELY easy to install with a couple of studs or bolts holding it and a couple holes for the hoses to run thru, one 12 volt wire going to it to run the fan, it's that easy. You need to be sure the core is good, have it pressure checked buy a radiator shop. The motors are usually pretty universal and still available new at a good parts store, even for heaters 50-60 years old.

I had one of these simple heaters in my 48 Chevy pickup (just like yours) for years. I picked up another at a swap meet a few years ago for about $20.

Brian

[OneMoreTime]

Most of the major parts can be obtained form the pick-a-part or you may have some of it in your backyard scrap pile..One is a heater core, next is a fan and a control valve from something..the kind of control valve that is need is controlled by a simple cable like a choke cable..Several cars used this sort of thing..once you have these pieces then make a simple box to hold the fan and heater core which is mounted on the passenger side under the dash..make adjustalbe doors for the front on the box and make some provision in your box for tubes running to the defroster vents..In use pull the control knob out to allow hot water to flow to the core and turn on the fan..if you need heat open the adjustable doors and if you need defrost close the doors directing hot air to the defrost vents..Simple enough to do and is all we had back in the day in our pickups..With some good fab skills you may be able to put one of these together from parts you have around and not be spending a lot of coin..

Oh and how nice it looks and works depends on your skills as a fabricator..

Sam

[MARTINSR]

And honestly, you don't even need the heater control valve, that is an extra you can add. I never had one on my truck. I will be using one when I build it this time but didn't have one before. The hot water simply runs thru the heater core all the time. Unless the fans on it doesn't mater a whole lot.


Brian

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

And honestly, you don't even need the heater control valve, that is an extra you can add. I never had one on my truck. I will be using one when I build it this time but didn't have one before. The hot water simply runs thru the heater core all the time. Unless the fans on it doesn't mater a whole lot.


Brian

I added a aftermarket heater in my 1940 Ford ... but I HAD TO come back and add a cut-off valve. In my case ... the added heat from just the hot water flowing thru the core ... added heat to the interor of the car so much ... I had no choice but to add a hot water shut off valve.

Your results MAY vary ....

[DanTwoLakes]

Originally Posted by dannronn

This was a very good question, I to am loooking for a doner heater for my 48 Chevy coupe. I can't find the post and why did you move it anyway?

It was moved because is not an Interior question. Interior refers to the seats, headliner, panels, etc., and the tools and equipment to re-do these things. Just because something is in the interior of the vehicle does not make it an Interior question. I moved it to General Rodding Tech, look there. If you can't figure that out, click on this link: Heater swap for 53 pickup You will get better answers from the appropriate forum,........the thread was not deleted.

[timothale]

Some vans also have smaller heater Ac units in the rear passenger area, also there were a few under sear heaters usually older caddys and buicks to keep rear passenger comfortable.

[64elko]

Hello

Thank you for the options you have all giving me,,, pick a part is looking to be the best option at this time. Now i did look at ebay,but the cost is to much for my budget,,, as well as other ac/heater sites,,, Yes i did find vintage heaters for low cost how ever you need to redo them to work and the ones that where done wher way to much for me budget,, so the search goes on...... if you have any other tips or ideas i welcome them all ..... 64elko

[1971BB427]

Take a look at SUV's that often have optional rear seat heaters. They usually have their own core, enclosure, and fan, and make a great setup to mount under the dash and heat a small cab.
I'm using a backseat heater from a Toyota Landcruiser in my Austin gasser, and it keeps me toasty warm in cold months. Here's a picture of it in my car beffore I painted it black to blend in. I also use a inline valve to cut off hot water to the core in the summer.