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1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Slick Sixties Ford Truck

Electric Heater

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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 02:44 PM
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Electric Heater

Any member aware of an 'electric heater' that was offered for the 61-66 Ford pickup. Considering pulling the trigger on 1 described as the size of an 8 track that mounts under the dash. Been driving the 65 for some 37 plus years and certainly would be nice if able to warm these ole bones up on a cold winter morning. Suppose should not complain temp gauge maintains contant 160-180 summer or winter.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 05:48 PM
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Dave
I suppose you are satisfied your regular heater is doing all it can. My climate is similar to yours. Resealing doors, windows and the rusted out floor really made a difference for me. I've never seen a 12v space heater. Probably will require some pretty hefty wiring.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 05:53 PM
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Dave, Taking the fresh air hose off, plugging that hole, adding duct tape over the edges of the vent doors, my cab will make you turn the heat down now, bless God.




John
 
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 06:46 PM
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Emailed seller for more info, as I get more info appears it's an aftermarket heater of some type, just curious since it's listed specifically for Ford pickup.

Not sure if there's any thing more I can do for the heater. Thought about swapping out the radiator thermostat for one that opens sooner. Not sure what the function of the resister in the heater box, the blower works fine. Suppose it's working same as always just these ole bones would prefer more heat. Guess it's time to to either buy some decent thermals, or a hair dryer that works off the cigarette lighter. Thanks for the input.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 06:51 PM
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Are you talking about a 12 volt heater or one you plug in at night.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 07:10 PM
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It's a 12 volt heater with bracket that mounts under the dash. As best I can tell from pic's does not require running a separate wire looks like there's a connector that ties into the harness. Still waiting for more info from seller.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 07:22 PM
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Originally Posted by jowilker
Dave, Taking the fresh air hose off, plugging that hole, adding duct tape over the edges of the vent doors, my cab will make you turn the heat down now, bless God.




John
John, thx for the info, definately going to give it a try. Can't recall if I can remove the boot without dropping the heater box, certainly would make it a quik fix. What ever the case, willing to do just about anything to get some heat, including disassembling. Thanks again!!.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted by daveengelson
John, thx for the info, definately going to give it a try. Can't recall if I can remove the boot without dropping the heater box, certainly would make it a quik fix. What ever the case, willing to do just about anything to get some heat, including disassembling. Thanks again!!.
If that doesn't pan out, little aftermarket electric heaters have been around quite a few years. They are simple enough to wire in, but need a separate circuit and will hardly make things toasty!

Steve
 
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 08:55 PM
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I cant imagine a 12 volt heater would be very efficient or even come close to the factory heater. is your heater flowing good how is the air flow at the vents.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 09:07 PM
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Those little 12V jobs are handy but draw a ton of current. A high output alternator and a big battery are a must. Never sit and idle with them on! you will burn up your charging circuit in a hurry.

The local junk tool house sells them fro anywhere from 15- 45 bucks. you want to run some good 10 gauge wire to them and give 'em a fuse.

The best use for theese things is to say blow on your feet so the defroster can work full time or the reverse. They do add some heat to the party but tend to only last a few years.

My uncle has three of the little ones in is bobcat to defrost the windows. It is not exactly toasty but it keeps his windows clear.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 09:14 PM
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Originally Posted by flipklos
Those little 12V jobs are handy but draw a ton of current. A high output alternator and a big battery are a must. Never sit and idle with them on! you will burn up your charging circuit in a hurry.

The local junk tool house sells them fro anywhere from 15- 45 bucks. you want to run some good 10 gauge wire to them and give 'em a fuse.

The best use for theese things is to say blow on your feet so the defroster can work full time or the reverse. They do add some heat to the party but tend to only last a few years.

My uncle has three of the little ones in is bobcat to defrost the windows. It is not exactly toasty but it keeps his windows clear.
The most common ones are fused with a 20 amp inline fuse. What you're looking at is 20 amps x around 12 volts = 240 watts x 3.41 BTU per watt = less than a 1,000 BTU I believe. You're right, you don't get much heat out of em and they do best with large charging systems.

Steve
 
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 09:36 PM
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Blower works fine, air comes out on the luke warm side, at least keeps windshield clear. Don't want to put any additional demand on alternator; lights, wipers, and heater, already draws quit abit of amps. Considering Johns suggestion of blocking the air inlet. Reconsidering the electric heater, seller asking $80, plus the cost of shipping, which seems pricey for an accessory that may not make any significant difference. Thanks to all, really appreciate the input and suggestions.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 09:52 PM
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Originally Posted by daveengelson
Blower works fine, air comes out on the luke warm side, at least keeps windshield clear. Don't want to put any additional demand on alternator; lights, wipers, and heater, already draws quit abit of amps. Considering Johns suggestion of blocking the air inlet. Reconsidering the electric heater, seller asking $80, plus the cost of shipping, which seems pricey for an accessory that may not make any significant difference. Thanks to all, really appreciate the input and suggestions.
Do you recall if you the heater ever really worked? I had one in which leaves had dried, flaked, and lay behind the coil from the outside vent. When you turned the fan on the leaves blew up into the back of the hot water coil and blocked the air across the coil. I still have plenty of blowing, but virtually no heat. It turned out to be a simple fix, once I figured out what it was. Another possibility is the coil itself is choked up with crap. I had one where I had to flush the coil. Made an incredible difference. Just a couple of thoughts.

Steve
 
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 10:36 PM
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Originally Posted by daveengelson
Blower works fine, air comes out on the luke warm side, at least keeps windshield clear. Don't want to put any additional demand on alternator; lights, wipers, and heater, already draws quit abit of amps. Considering Johns suggestion of blocking the air inlet. Reconsidering the electric heater, seller asking $80, plus the cost of shipping, which seems pricey for an accessory that may not make any significant difference. Thanks to all, really appreciate the input and suggestions.
Back flush the heater core.....It is plugged with forty years of crap.....

Garbz
 
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 10:40 PM
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Dont plug the inlet! Youll be nice and toasty but you will have fogged windows every day.
 
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