Oringinal Heaters

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Mar 23, 2006 | 08:21 PM

Last Chance 55

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Oringinal Heaters

Has anyone had any major problems with using an oringinal heater assy that is 50 plus years old ie, rot, failures after install, slow heat, no heat, blower issues?

I plan on using my oringinal 55 heater assy with much cleaning and voltage reducer not to burn it up. My truck has 85 302 and no air, except 2/65 air.

Mar 23, 2006 | 08:29 PM

abe

Fleet Owner

Joined: Dec 2000

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From: Central PA

I took apart my my recirculationg heater and gave it a good cleaning. I bought the heater "rubbers" but ended up nor using them. I did take the motor to the electonics teacher at my school to look at it. The motor would run and then shutoff and run again as if it had a loose electrical connection. What it was was the brushes were worn. To fix it he put small wedges beneath them so they made better contact. I think.. this was 7 years ago. It has been working fine since then.

I painted the heater sheet metal black and the grille on the heater silver. (see my gallery). You should put in new defroster hoses. But remember my truck has always been used. It did not sit for an extended time.

abe

Mar 26, 2006 | 08:34 PM

Last Chance 55

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Thanks Abe, your truck looks great. I like the looks of your heater in there. I plan on updating with a vintage ac unit per (my wife before she will allow me to take it on long trips with her). I plan on using my stock unit until then.

Mar 26, 2006 | 09:57 PM

DGMFORD

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From: Texas

I have two complete stock 55 heater units, so if you need any parts, just let me know. I'm going with the Vintage Air setup in mine as well. I won't be able to handle the Texas heat without it.

Mar 26, 2006 | 11:20 PM

packrat56

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Apr 2004

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From: Willamette Valley, Oregon

I use the factory heater in my 56 every day, blower/motor is a bit loud. Works fine!

Mar 27, 2006 | 08:32 PM

Last Chance 55

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DGM.

Thanks for the offer but before I pulled my out during the initial rat cleaning it was working. I did not run it much though due to not having reduced the 12V that I was surging through the old 6v switches and wiring that was in there at the time. It blowed like crazy when I switched her on. I love that feeling when something hasn't been ran in 20 years actually works when you put the power to it. I need to clean it though.

Mar 27, 2006 | 10:18 PM

wmjoe1953

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 2,906

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From: Oregon

Clean it, fix it, paint it, it'll work just fine. My dad's 55 is all original, and the heater still has the original motor in it, and the orignal brushes. It's still working, and if it weren't for missing door glass, and leaking weatherstrip, you'd get roasted out of the cab.