My recirculating heater is all apart to be cleaned, rust removed, painted and reassembled. Today I picked up some old type felt weatherstrip to replace the seal around the edge of the defrost diverter in the duct. Rust removal is by vinegar bath for the small parts and electrolysis in a 5 gal pail for the body. Both methods are working really well. The two speed motor tested out fine. When I opened the case I thought at first the heater core was fairly new because it was new looking black paint. Then I saw "November 1956" printed on it. I'm using a 12 volt, 56 heater in my 54. When I bought the truck (in pieces) it came with two heaters, a 54 and a 56. I've found that the core is plugged. I filled it with white vinegar and will let it sit over night. Hope it clears and doesn't leak
A couple questions:
1. Is anyone using an aftermarket two speed blower switch with screw or spade terminals that will take the original ****? I'm not a fan of the bullet terminals.
2. I'm not ready to insulate the cab yet. Don't have any material yet and not sure what to use. What about the firewall behind the heater? Shouldn't that have insulation applied prior to the heater being bolted in?
3. I was thinking about finding a hose mounted, cable operated circulation control valve rather than the manual valve on the engine. Is anyone using an aftermarket valve? Have a brand & part number?

 

Sorry I have no part number but I'm using a cable operated valve that was originally used on an early 60s GMC truck. I got it at NAPA. It was something they already had on the shelf...didn't even have to order it.

 

Thanks Vern. I went to NAPA's web site. Yep they have them.

 

If you get the part number why not post it here for future information? This seems to come up once in awhile...