Heater fan (squirrel cage)

[jchav62]

My lady's '65 is missing the heater fan. I was looking and the whole for the fan and it looks very similar to the one in my '73. Is it the same? Will a 73-87 fan work? Has anyone done this? They're very common in our junkyard for $5-10.

[62gmc910]

I am pretty sure the fan fits BUT if the truck still has stock wiring the fan needs to be powered thru a relay for hi position (the origonal fan was permenent magnet an used a lot less power

[markeb01]

I have a 1960 recirculating heater, and replaced the original heater motor and fan with one from a Pontiac Fiero. They are dirt cheap and rotate in the correct direction. Not sure about the model you're looking at, but when I did this several years ago I remember putting a lot of focus on having the fan turn the right way. It came down to two choices, the S10 pickup or the Fiero - they both turn the same way. If memory serves correctly everything else rotated the other direction. The reason I picked the Fiero version was because they are all mounted in the the trunk, so they look like new compared to one that's spent a decade under the hood of a truck.

I also used the Fiero plastic fan instead of the metal version. Less weight, no rust and less chance of going out of balance. There was a minor bit of trimming to get it in the case, but it works perfectly with the original speed control resistor. The fan is deeper and of newer design and moves a lot more air on high speed.

I've got Ron Francis wiring and none of the stock heater controls, but the relay is a great idea and I'll probably add one just for the extra measure of safety next spring.

Here's a rather boring photo of the install through the glovebox opening. The rectangular block to the left is the cruise control module. The rubber hose on the motor is a vent to relieve pressure inside the motor. I don't know where it connected in the Pontiac, on mine is just rests on the heater housing.

[jchav62]

Thanks for the info Markeb01! Fan direction never crossed my mind. I'll definitely check into a Fiero fan. I notice that your heater is the recirculating type...ours is the fresh air type... do they use the same fan?

[markeb01]

According to the listings on the attached link, they show different motors for the recirculating versus deluxe, and a different motor design between 55-63 and 64-76.

http://www.americanclassic.com/asp/d...to&exyear=1966

When I bought my Fiero motor at the local pick your part, I grabbed two for $5.00 each, including the nylon squirrel cage fan on each. I don't know if they still go for this price, or if it's worth making modifications to accomodate the Fiero fan, but I did it because the original fan was burned out and the steel fan was damaged and out of balance. I didn't really want an original motor since they were 40+ years old. For the price I'd do it again, as I prefer an original GM part compared to the aftermarket parts that may or may not hold up. Hope this answer is of some help.

[kirtzen]

I know this is an old post but I thought I would share. I used a fan out of a 2004 ford ranger. It is as quiet as can be and doesn't use much power. I used a basic two speed switch.