So previous owner literally ripped every heater component out, truck was originally AC truck. So I need to install a heating system and was looking for recommendations. I know I could buy one from part truck or salvage yard but was thinking an aftermarket heater may be better than an original I know the aftermarket AC unit are a great deal better than the original

 

I have never known a stock heater, car or truck, not cook you out if the core not plugged.
Well maybe a VW bug heater but then how hot can an air cooled motor get in winter?

Now I don't know about you year trucks but the 80-86 trucks have different firewalls between AC & Non-AC trucks so something to look into if going with stock parts.
Dave - - - -

 

Did he rip out all the venting ductwork too? Crazy if so

 

Yes everything gone, Even covered up a couple vent holes that I will have to remove the metal patch he used to cover up the vent holes just so I can put replacement vents in

 

There's more than one type of A/C in these trucks.

Did the truck originally have factory installed integral A/C (combined with the heater) or deluxe dealer installed A/C (combined with the heater)?

Factory A/C: A/C controls are in the same panel as the heater controls, has the huge evaporator case at the right rear corner of the engine compartment.

Deluxe Dealer installed A/C has two A/C switches located in the HUGE dash bezel that sweeps across the entire right side of the dash.

If factory A/C, you'd be better off finding a 1973/79 F100/350 or 1978/79 Bronco with just the heater only or Economy dealer installed A/C (not combined w/the heater)...and use all the parts.

 

I dont know since all was ripped out. The passenger side engine compartment had a big patch in firewall where AC box was.

 

Factory installed integral A/C

 

Check out Flex A Lite Mojave heater. https://www.flex-a-lite.com/mojave-heater-179.html

https://shop.broncograveyard.com/Moj...SABEgL9-fD_BwE

 

If you are going this route, be prepared for some fabrication. Do you still plan to use vacuum control? How will you connect the ducting, run the heater hose, etc. Think it through. Here's mine. It still works great and I stay cozy in the winter.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ng-my-way.html

 

84espy thanks for the reminder. 16 in. Stoker w/3 x 3 in. Outlets ? Maradyne Mobile Products

 

I would look for a truck without AC if you just want a heater, remove it all along with big enough piece of firewall. Not saying that there might not be one somewhere, but the aftermarket units even with ac don't have fresh air intake. If your in humid cool/cold climate your going to have fogged up windows. It was a big advance when Ford brought out the Magic Air heater.

 

Fortunately, for me, California has low humidity and mostly mild winters where I live. Per your post, though: Wouldn't opening the fresh air intake in humid areas also leave you with fogged windows after setting a while?

 

Not sure in California but around here a lot of humidity in summer and winter brings snow from shoes into car and with the heater on it evaporates and condenses on cooler surfaces like glass. The aftermarket can't be all that bad though, I think it depends on your location and weather.