What heater controls should I have?

[SlimPikins]

I only have two heater controls on my dash. One is the fan, and the other switches between defrost and floor. I have been looking at switches online and everything I see is a four switch set, and they all say deluxe. In 63, was having four switches an option? I have searched around the heater box in the cab and do not see a lever that would control the temperature. Does anyone know what the fourth switch is? I'm assuming that three of them are def/floor, temp and fan. Any insight from the members would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Slim.


Here is a pic of my controls.

[SlimPikins]

Any ideas?

I'm curious to whether my truck should have all four controls.

[Corts60]

Slim- My truck also only has fan and floor/defrost switches. I think that is all the bare bones trucks came with back then....

[SlimPikins]

Originally Posted by Corts60

Slim- My truck also only has fan and floor/defrost switches. I think that is all the bare bones trucks came with back then....

Is yours like mine, two controls but four slots?

[Captainfab]

If you only have two levers, assuming the others aren't just broken, then you most likely have a recirculating heater. Is the heater core, fan and all inside the cab?

The deluxe heaters are the ones with four levers, temp, fan, heat/defrost, and I think the 4th controls the coolant flow. Not positive though....

[jonzcustomshop]

yes 2 switches, and 4 slots, the 2 empty slots backed with a piece of rubber...= the cheap heater.

[SlimPikins]

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

yes 2 switches, and 4 slots, the 2 empty slots backed with a piece of rubber...= the cheap heater.

Well that's a bummer, doesn't look like there is a way to totally turn off the heat just the fan. I'm guessing that if I find the other style in a junkyard it will fit in my truck?

[aboz]

Originally Posted by SlimPikins

Well that's a bummer, doesn't look like there is a way to totally turn off the heat just the fan. I'm guessing that if I find the other style in a junkyard it will fit in my truck?

Greetings Slim. I too have the two knob heater that sits under the dash in my '63. It was called a "Recirculating Heater" and was offered from 60-63 and came with only a two lever control panel. The "Deluxe Heater" was offered from 60-66 and the blower was located under the hood. 60-63 had a four knob control panel and the 64-66 had a three knob control panel. There was also a "Thrift Air Heater" that was offered from 64-66 that came with only a single knob control panel. It seems the hardest thing to find for any of these units is the original housing. Everything else (core,switches,blower motor,knobs and hoses) is reproduced by most of your parts companies like LMC.

[Revoh]

I have the deluxe heater with the four levers, and don't worry, it's not the marvel of technology that you may think. All old heaters I've had the pleasure of using seem about the same--either they're hot, or they're off. The idea that you can control the temp is marginal at best. When you start getting hot, turn it off. When you start getting cold, turn it on. If heat comes out of the vents, you're doing just fine.

[Redline]

Originally Posted by Revoh

I have the deluxe heater with the four levers, and don't worry, it's not the marvel of technology that you may think. All old heaters I've had the pleasure of using seem about the same--either they're hot, or they're off. The idea that you can control the temp is marginal at best. When you start getting hot, turn it off. When you start getting cold, turn it on. If heat comes out of the vents, you're doing just fine.

That's a great explanation!!!!!!!!! And very true

[SlimPikins]

Originally Posted by Revoh

I have the deluxe heater with the four levers, and don't worry, it's not the marvel of technology that you may think. All old heaters I've had the pleasure of using seem about the same--either they're hot, or they're off. The idea that you can control the temp is marginal at best. When you start getting hot, turn it off. When you start getting cold, turn it on. If heat comes out of the vents, you're doing just fine.

Too funny!

[jonzcustomshop]

yes, make sure to get the control too.
some times you can find the entire heater delete system too, if you want to go that route.. just has block off plates for the cowl and dash.

[LILRED66]

I have several trucks with the Deluxe Air heating/defrost system. With a properly maintained system and a new blower motor, the system regulates very good.

[SlimPikins]

Thanks for all the useful info to everyone.
I live in the NW where you may have heard rains a bit, lol.
The heater I have now does a terrible job of clearing the windshield of fog. I will probably start by making sure the heater box is put together with no gaps. I think maybe some air is leaking out of the chambers because I don't get much air out the defrost. The switch is worn and the wires have been spliced so I only have one fan speed. I will work on that also. If none of this works I may look around for a deluxe box and see if I can retrofit it to my truck.

[jbgroby]

Slim,

I have an extra defrost plemtum box, email me direct at maybe we can trade sum'tin

jbgroby@charter.net

[LILRED66]

Try disassembling your heater system, cleaning everything, reassembling with 3M Strip Caulk, replacing the heater blower motor, heater resistor and heater switch, checking all electrical wiring and connections and control cables. I think you will find, if the system is well maintained and operating properly, it will be adequate, even in the NW.

[SlimPikins]

Originally Posted by LILRED66

Try disassembling your heater system, cleaning everything, reassembling with 3M Strip Caulk, replacing the heater blower motor, heater resistor and heater switch, checking all electrical wiring and connections and control cables. I think you will find, if the system is well maintained and operating properly, it will be adequate, even in the NW.

I will do that. I saw in my quick examination that there are places where there are screws missing that hold sections of the unit together and there are gaps. I know that cant be good!