The heater in my '62 was brittle and breaking so I removed it entirely, but would eventually like a heater (I do live in Wyoming). Has anyone installed an aftermarket heater? I've seen some of the AC/heater assemblies, but don't want the AC due to costs. I would like to find something that is small and fits up under the dash fairly tight that would atleast supply heat to the defrost vents. Somewhere I did see a small heater that was marketed for jeep owners. Has anyone seen these or tried them. Thanks!

 

Hi Mark, The heater is basically a hot water to air transfer. A mini radiator aka heater core in a box that has a fan motor and some ducting to put the newly heated air mostly at the floor or windshield.

The heater core, the fan motor, and ducts can be replaced. I have no idea what would be brittle and breaking, and could not be replaced. You have options, but if you are on a tight budget, I would look to repairing what you have. IMHO

John

 

Sorry about any confusion, but the heater housing is brittle and breaking. Not sure what it is made of but kinda like fiberglass. I found a heater made by flex-a-lite, called the mojave, that is fairly small and seems like it would fit up under the dash for a cleaner look and you can still utilize your defrost with an optional face for the heater for a few dollars more. I know I can probably find another housing assembly in the salvage yards, but am afraid they may all be brittle and could break easily if someone where to kick it with their feet.
Thanks

 

Might just be the one you have. Mine is a 65 and is still in great shape. I would go with a salvage option unless you want to add something like Vintage Air as a further option to go to A/C later on. This is a bit more complicated and expensive than swapping existing boxes though so beware, but good luck!

 

I am planning to replace the heater in my 63 with a heat/AC combo unit from classic air in Florida. My heater box is still in good shape, it's the fresh air type that mounts against the right kick panel. I'll be pulling it out within the next couple weeks, let me know if you're interested.

 

I'd fix up the heater you have now, in working condition they work great, mine gets the cab very hot in just a few minutes, the housing does appear to be fiberglass. Keep it looking good and orgnial, just repair the old one, or replace it. I would'nt put a cheap chinese heater in my truck.

 

HOTROD,
I do have a couple available locally and I appreciate the offer, and unless these others turn out to be in poor condition I should be in good shape if I go with original replacement. Let me know how your AC setup works when it is completed, that may be an option I leave open in the future as funds become available.
Thanks